On the eve of the 60th World Day of Social Communications May 16, 2020, the Vatican issued a papal decree establishing a new Interdicasterial Commission on Artificial Intelligence. This new institution within the Catholic Church addresses the rapid rise of algorithmic media, deepfakes, and automated narratives, grounding the global conversation in the defense of human dignity. These are the issues that media face today.
This aligns with the core message of Pope Leo XIV, who has challenged the global community to focus on “Preserving Human Voices and Faces” in an AI-driven age. The Church’s perspective treats social communication not merely as a network for sharing information, but as a space for authentic human encounter. By insisting that our unique traits—our literal faces and voices—are the sacred reflection of the divine, the Church warns against reducing human identity to biochemical formulas or mathematical data. (World Social Communication Day)
Last Saturday, at the Bishop Benny Tudtud Conference Hall, Ateneo de Davao, media, academe and members of Church organizations and civic society came for the 2nd Archbishop Thibault Award. Named in honor of Archbishop Clovis Thibault, the first Roman Catholic archbishop of Davao, this award serves as a beacon for media practitioners in the region. It was established to recognize journalists, broadcasters, and media institutions that the show the power of communication to promote truth, justice, peace, and human development.
In the context of Mindanao’s complex socio-political history, the role of local journalism is uniquely challenging. Reporting requires a deep sensitivity to cultural nuances, historical contexts, and peace-building efforts. The Archbishop Thibault Award addresses this by explicitly honoring work that goes beyond standard reporting to touch the lives of everyday Davaoeños, fostering unity in a diverse society.
The significance of the Archbishop Thibault Award extends far beyond the trophies handed out at a gala. It shapes the very culture of the local press in several distinct ways. By rewarding stories that focus on human dignity and community development, the award incentivizes journalists to look past blood, crime, and political mudslinging, focusing instead on structural issues and constructive solutions. Mindanao has long dealt with the challenges of conflict and misrepresentation. The award highlights narratives of peace, interfaith dialogue, and reconciliation, proving that harmony makes for vital, compelling news. Local journalists often operate with fewer resources than their national counterparts. This recognition validates their grit and reminds them that their dedication to grassroots storytelling has a profound regional impact.
The Archbishop Thibault Award and the principles of social communication share a symbiotic relationship. The award acts as an annual reminder of what journalism should aspire to be. It champions the idea that the ultimate metric of a journalist’s success is not just the scoop, but the positive resonance their story leaves within the community.
This year’s winner is Nova Francas, correspondent of Mindanews who also won in two categories: Laudato Si (Care for our Common Home) and Laborem Exercens. Other media organizations such as SunStar Davao, PTV 4, City Information Office (Mfayaw) and the Atenews, were also winners in other categories.
When a Davaoeño journalist wins this award for documenting a remote indigenous community’s struggle for education, or for highlighting a successful farmers organization, social communication is at work. The journalist has acted as a bridge, bringing a micro-narrative into the macro-consciousness of the city, prompting reflection, empathy, and potential action.
As the media landscape continues to evolve with AI, social media algorithms, and shifting business models, the temptation to abandon deep, community-centric reporting grows. In this climate, anchors like social communication and institutions like the Archbishop Thibault Award are more critical than ever.
They remind us that at its core, journalism is a human endeavor. By keeping the lines of social communication open and celebrating those who do so with integrity, Davao City ensures its press remains what it was always meant to be: a voice for the voiceless and a mirror for the soul of the community.
We would like to congratulate the organizing committee of this prestigious award led by Rev. Fr. Ritsche Gamaya for their heartfelt commitment and effort to making this event possible.
