Award-winning public affairs personalities Arnold Clavio and Howie Severino, together with documentarist Jun Veneracion, acclaimed director Zig Dulay and award-winning writer Anj Atienza, and actor Ruru Madrid, proudly share their thoughts on being part of GMA Public Affairs.
For Arnold Clavio, GMA Public Affairs has been instrumental in showing everyone how Filipinos are truly world-class.
“In Public Affairs programs, you witness Filipinos showcasing their excellence. Being world-class means giving them the chance to shine globally. We’re grateful to be a bridge for their success,” he shares.
From Monday to Friday, Arnold has to wake up extra early for Unang Hirit – something he has been doing for the past 25 years. But knowing that he is making a difference in the viewers’ lives keeps him going.
in sharing relevant stories with public
“When it comes to news reporting, I take pride in Unang Balita because, from the first crack of dawn, we sometimes have explosive news. We have interviews that you’ll only hear first on Unang Hirit,” Arnold pointed out.
Arnold has also been at the forefront of equally awarded public affairs shows such as Emergency, Rescue, Alisto, Brigada Siete, and Tonight with Arnold Clavio. Being host to these shows for the past decades has not only impacted his career as a broadcast journalist but has also inspired him to be more than just a face in front of the camera. He takes, for example, one of his featured case studies in Emergency, a diabetic child named Nicole. Her case inspired Arnold to establish the Igan Foundation, which has been helping children with diabetes for 22 years already.
For Howie Severino, GMA Public Affairs and being “Tatak World Class” equate to quality.
“We invest a lot of effort, time, and resources in producing quality. Quality from the research to the production, to the post-production, to the technical quality of what we do, to the storytelling, to the talent that we recruit,” he said.
Howie is one of the hosts of GMA Public Affairs’ flagship documentary program I-Witness, and is best known for his award-winning documentaries on history and social issues. He has produced more than 200 documentaries for the show and considers being part of this legacy public affairs show as one of life’s blessings.
“That’s why I’m satisfied with Public Affairs programs. We don’t take shortcuts; we prioritize quality. When I joined I-Witness, I never imagined lasting 10, 15, or 20 years. I just aimed to produce the best stories. In television, many programs don’t last, so I’m grateful for I-Witness,” Howie stated.
I-Witness premiered on Philippine television in 1999 – at the turn of the millennium. It featured a roster of hosts that included some of the finest journalists in Philippine media. The program is the only Philippine TV recipient of two George Foster Peabody Awards, multiple New York Festivals world medals, Asian TV Awards, Asia-Pacific Child Rights Awards, and finalist status at the Emmy Awards, among others.
Reporter’s Notebook host Jun Veneracion agrees that GMA Public Affairs programs are of high quality.
“When you say Tatak Public Affairs, you can see it as a seal of excellence. Viewers can be assured of high-quality content on their television or social media. And it’s not just that, Public Affairs products are infused with hard work, effort, and time. In many cases, even sweat and blood are invested to ensure the public sees what they should,” he said.
Over the years, Reporter’s Notebook, the investigative program he hosts together with Maki Pulido, has reported on significant issues that needed to be put under a spotlight, with most of these topics being given more attention by authorities after being featured on the show.
For the past three decades, GMA Public Affairs has been known for its excellent storytelling – stories that impact society and inspire Filipinos and the rest of the world. In 2023, it took storytelling to another platform as it ventured into filmmaking.
Its latest gem, Firefly, went from being the silent underdog to becoming the 2023 Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) big winner and most-awarded film at the inaugural Manila International Film Festival (MIFF) in Hollywood, California. The film produced by GMA Pictures and GMA Public Affairs won major awards, including Best Screenplay for GMA Public Affairs SAVP and Firefly creator Anj Atienza and Best Director for Zig Dulay.
Firefly is proof that a good story transcends culture and language. Stories that are indeed, Tatak Public Affairs: purposeful and always with a heart.
“When you say Tatak Public Affairs, it represents true stories told with purpose and a sense of public service,” said Atienza. “With that comes responsibility. You feel accountable for telling stories well and in the right way. That’s the essence of the Mark of Public Affairs,” she explains.
Zig added: “To me, it means stories filled with heart, inspiration, and intention to serve. When the whole team aims for excellence, you know it will be world-class. It’s applause from the entire world, not just your country.”
From Naku, Boss Ko!, TODA One I Love, The Write One, and PH’s most-watched TV show in 2022 Lolong, to this year’s action-packed drama series Black Rider – Ruru Madrid is grateful that he was able to do these shows because of GMA Public Affairs.
“I’m glad to be part of Public Affairs,” said Ruru. “What I enjoy most is the lessons learned from every project. From Lolong to Black Rider, it shows heroism – you don’t need superpowers to be a hero. Just helping ozhers and inspiring those around you makes you a hero.”
Ruru’s shows have been loved by viewers here and abroad. Lolong made it on local television in Indonesia and Russia and is currently available on OTT platform for viewers to binge-watch.
“Tatak Public Affairs for me is to never settle for less. We’re always improving. We’re always trying to learn new things,” he concluded.