Radyo Katipunan 87.9 FM earned four nominations at the 20th Gandingan Awards held at the University of the Philippines Los Baños on April 25th, marking a new milestone for the Ateneo de Manila University’s campus-community station as it proudly stood alongside mainstream media organizations.
The recognition underscores the #OneBigFM’s growing role in development-oriented broadcasting, particularly in promoting dialogue, faith, and social awareness through its programs.
Organized by the UP Community Broadcasters’ Society, the Gandingan Awards honor media institutions and practitioners who champion development communication. This year’s theme, “Pakinggan, Tinig ng Kalikasan,” highlighted media as “vanguards against the continued mistreatment of the environment,” reflecting a broader call for socially responsive storytelling.
Overall, Radyo Katipunan received a nomination for Most Development-Oriented FM Station.
Two of its celebrated programs, The Jesuit Hour and Nagtatanong Lang were cited for Most Development-Oriented FM Program and Most Development-Oriented Radio Public Service Program, respectively. Jesuit Communications Executive DirectorFr. Emmanuel “Nono” Alfonso, SJ, host of The Jesuit Hour, was nominated for Best FM Radio Program Host.
“Although we did not win any awards that day, it’s still a notable highlight that Radyo Katipunan made a significant breakthrough in getting nominated alongside mainstream media organizations and personalities,” acknowledged Station Coordinator Justin Pontino.
For Fr. Nono, the nominations reflect decades of work in media evangelization—bridging faith, culture, and public discourse. A veteran broadcaster and communications practitioner, the true-blue Nagueño has led JesCom since 2008, guiding projects that engage audiences in conversations grounded in Ignatian spirituality and social responsibility. His program, The Jesuit Hour, extends that mission, offering discussions rooted in cura personalis and the pursuit of magis.
Meanwhile, Nagtatanong Lang continues to model public service journalism by encouraging critical inquiry. Co-host JR Santiago described the nomination as both recognition and responsibility. “Ito ay magiging hamon sa amin na lalo pang pagbutihin ang tamang pagtatanong para makahanap tayo ng swak na solusyon sa mga isyung kinakaharap natin bilang isang bansa,” expressed the Ateneo School of Government alumnus.
The Gandingan Awards recognition comes as Radyo Katipunan builds on the momentum of its seventh anniversary in 2025, themed S7REAMING BEYOND. Since its founding in 2018, the station has grown into a platform for formation and dialogue, blending faith-based programming with discussions on national issues, culture, and civic life.
Gandingan Awards founder Mark Lester del Mundo Chico said the initiative was created not only to celebrate media but to challenge it. “The dream was simple: to honor our favorite personalities and programs,” he said. “But alongside this was a challenge—to push the media to be more than just a conveyor of news and to become an instrument of development.”
For Radyo Katipunan, these prestigious nominations affirm that very mission—using media not just to inform but to form conscience, foster dialogue, and serve the greater good.
AMDG
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