In the light of Super Typhoon Odette, which wreaked havoc in Visayas and Mindanao recently, the submission of entries for the 9th Globe Media Excellence Awards (GMEA) is extended until January 31, 2022. The revised schedule gives VisMin media and content creators more time to meet the deadline and submit calamity-related stories.

The search period now covers January 1, 2021 until January 15, 2022. The competition is open to all print and broadcast journalists, online writers, and social media influencers in Bacolod, Cebu, and Iloilo in the Visayas and Cagayan de Oro, Davao, General Santos, and Zamboanga in Mindanao.

"After Typhoon Odette, we want to give media participants more time so they can rebuild and refocus. We hope the journalists would share their stories in light of their recent experience,” said Yoly Crisanto, Globe SVP for Corporate Communications and Chief Sustainability Officer.

The severe tropical cyclone has devastated many parts of VisMin leaving many families homeless. Power continues to be a challenge in parts of Bohol, Dinagat Islands, and Surigao del Norte. In some areas of Cebu, power may not be restored until February 2022.

Bearing the theme “#PadayonDigital: Uplifting Lives Through Digital Technology,” this year’s GMEA looks forward to seeing how VisMin storytellers embrace digital to provide inspiring narratives that mirror today’s challenges and triumphs.

A Cebuano term that means to move forward or cheer for someone to go on, Padayon is very apt under current circumstances. Filipinos continue to push through amid numerous crises – from the mental, emotional, physical, and financial concerns brought by COVID-19 to the catastrophe caused by Odette.

GMEA will be held under the pandemic for the second consecutive year. It honors the outstanding and impactful works of VisMin journalists and content creators and their dedication to making a difference. Awarding of winners will be in April 2022.

Globe has prepared nine awards for digital and print, two for broadcast, and three special awards. All entries must be anchored on at least one of the four Globe sustainability pillars: Digital Nation, Care for the Environment, Care for People, and Positive Societal Impact.

For 2021, Globe included two new Digital Storytelling awards - Best Blog Post and Best Social Media Video. This category recognizes informative, entertaining, and creative storytelling relative to the theme and is tied to any identified sustainability pillars. Entries may use various digital platforms such as YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and blogs to drive positive engagement in the online community.

As a purpose-led organization, Globe seeks to harness innovation and the power of collaboration to achieve inclusive and sustainable development for all. Hinged on the four sustainability pillars, the company commits to contribute to 10 of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs) and uphold the UN Global Compact Principles.

Entries in English, Bisaya, Hiligaynon, or Chavacano may be submitted on or before January 31, 2022 at glbe.co/gmea. For any questions, contact [email protected].