In 1999, Jessica Soho and different pathfinders at GMA 7, led by Marissa Flores started a thought experiment, questioning if Filipino audiences had been prepared for a long-form documentary present that featured extra in-depth discussions of points they had been used to seeing within the information.
This gave delivery to I-Witness, a pioneer in TV documentaries that went on to turn out to be the most-awarded documentary program within the Philippines. Because it marks its twenty fifth yr in 2024, I-Witness has additionally turn out to be the longest-running Public Affairs program within the nation – a exceptional feat in a extremely aggressive business.
I-Witness has managed to flourish for therefore lengthy as a result of it refuses to see itself merely as a “legacy present,” with among the most illustrious names in Philippine broadcasting related to it via the years. Jessica Soho, Mike Enriquez, Mel Tiangco, Jay Taruc, Sandra Aguinaldo, Cheche Lazaro, Luchi Cruz-Valdes, Vicky Morales and different icons all minimize their tooth in I-Witness productions earlier than or whereas internet hosting their very own exhibits.
Main producers and administrators have obtained cutting-edge coaching on the present throughout their very own profession journeys. I-Witness’ longevity, fame and slew of awards are proof that the chance has paid off past their desires. It’s the solely Philippine TV program to obtain two (2) George Foster Peabody Awards, a number of New York Festivals world medals, Asian TV Awards, Asia-Pacific Little one Rights Awards and an Emmy nomination.
Extra importantly, I-Witness continues to supply groundbreaking, compelling and life-changing tales. It has thrived by being a forward-looking legacy present, blazing trails whereas staying true to journalism’s bedrock values.
In its milestone yr, I-Witness airs a particular documentary sequence that includes highly effective and unusual tales of group heroism and selfless folks on a mission. With their respective groups, program hosts Kara David, Howie Severino, Atom Araullo, John Consulta, and Mav Gonzales enterprise far and huge — from Mindoro to Sulu — to carry dwelling real sagas of gallantry.
These embody tales of upland individuals who have protected eagles for many years (Atom Araullo’s Kabilin sa Panapatan or “Everlasting Present to Folks”), a Mangyan youth who trudges lengthy trails to assist village kids get their delivery certificates (Howie Severino’s Sa Ngalan ng Pangalan or “In Honor of Thy Identify”), coaches who prepare aggressive swimmers on a distant island aspiring to carry glory to their uncared for place (Mav Gonzales’ “Swim for Gold”), a physician to the barrio who travels by boat to take care of the medical wants of a distant city (John Consulta’s Physician on Boat), and Indigenous Peoples in Mindanao who assist victims of their fellow tribe members to talk up and file expenses in opposition to their perpetrators (Kara David’s Kapalit ng Katahimikan or “The Worth of Silence”).
These particular anniversary episodes will air all Saturday, starting September 14 till October 12, 2024 at 10:15PM.
I-Witness is proven in school rooms and film theaters, assigned as supplementary schooling content material, and stays well timed and related on-line lengthy after they tales air on tv.
25 years and going sturdy, I-Witness is a legacy that retains on giving.