GMA Network bagged six awards and a citation in the recently held 29 th Catholic Mass Media Awards, a press release from the network said.

The Kapuso Network took home four of the five awards in the news and public affairs category, re-affirming its status as the most-trusted news organization in the country.

Among those included in the winners' circle are 24 Oras for the Best News Program ; Philippine Agenda for Best Adult Educational Program; Wish Ko Lang, Best Public Service Program; and Kapuso Mo Jessica Soho which shared the spotlight with ABS-CBN's The Correspondent,s in the Best Magazine Program category.

Meanwhile, Mga Kwento ni Lola Basyang and Magpakailanman bested the other entries to romp off with the Best Children's Program and Best Drama Program trophy, the press release said.

Jessica Soho and Mel Tiongco, hosts of KMJS and Magpakailanman respectively, received the awards.

GMA Network was also given the special citation for Best Public Service Advertisement via its election advocacy campaign, Sa Isa Kong Boto.

The CMMA, which is composed of bishops all over the country, is considered as one of the most credible award-giving bodies in the Philippines . It is chaired by Manila Archbishop Gaudencio Cardinal Rosales.
CMMA aims to “reward, as well as to pay tribute to media products that enhance the total human development of the Filipino audience through the competent and professional use of mass media techniques."

The recent harvest courtesy of the 2007 CMMA comes off as the perfect follow-up to GMA's arresting feat in the Asian TV Awards, wherein it took home more nominations than any other Philippine news organization, the press release added.*

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Medical mission held

A four-day medical and surgical mission was conducted by the Kahirup Foundation of Michigan headed by Betsy Servando Henry and the Negros Council of Lions Clubs Presidents led by Raymond Tongson, at the Corazon Locsin Montelibano Memorial Regional Hospital in Bacolod City , recently, a press release from organizers said.

The 39-member team of American doctors and nurses, with their Filipino counterparts headed by Dr. Eriberto Layda, performed 161 minor and 80 major surgeries.

Minor operations included circumcision, lumps and bumps, while major surgeries performed were appendectomy, abdominal hysterectomy, bilateral Salpingo ophorictomy, thyroidectomy and others, the press release said.

Vitamins and an Anesthesia machine worth $100,000 were also donated by the Michigan group.

Betsy is the daughter of Myrna Servando, past president of the Bacolod City Sampaguita Lions Club, the press release added.*

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