via GRAPHIC PLUS — The Catholic Mass Media Awards (CMMA) held its Judges and Board of Trustees Orientation, Mission Re-visioning, and Holy Week Recollection on March 30, 2026, at the Arzobispado de Manila along Arsobispo St., Intramuros, Manila, bringing together Board of Trustees and this year’s panel of judges for a day of formation, reflection, and spiritual preparation for the Lenten season.

The program opened by revisiting CMMA’s Mission and Vision, reaffirming its commitment to reward and honor media works and practitioners that enhance total human development and contribute to a media landscape that uplifts dignity, promotes truth, and supports holistic Filipino development.

Rev. Fr. Joselito “Jojo” Buenafe, CMMA Executive Director, underscored the importance of grounding the day in God’s guidance and the organization’s mission, reminding attendees that every evaluation and decision must remain faithful to CMMA’s guiding principles.

CMMA Executive Director Rev. Fr. Joselito “Jojo” Buenafe and CMMA Judges’ Coordinator Rev. Fr. Hans Magdurulang

The Judges Orientation followed, facilitated by CMMA Judges Coordinator, Rev. Fr. Hans Magdurulang. He highlighted the purpose of the formation, stating that it aims “to align, refresh, and deepen our understanding of CMMA’s mission while guiding how we judge media works responsibly and effectively.”

He further emphasized CMMA’s evaluative framework of “Faith-Guided, Fair, and Forward-Looking Judging,” noting that judges are called not to measure religiosity, but to discern values, impact, and integrity in media works. He stressed that the process is anchored on fairness, transparency, and accountability while maintaining openness and discernment.

Fr. Magdurulang added that CMMA judging requires a balance of faith and freedom, conviction and openness, and tradition and context, with a focus on how media serves truth, life, and human dignity.

The program concluded with a Holy Week recollection led by Fr. Buenafe, providing participants a moment of prayer and spiritual renewal. In his reflection, Fr. Buenafe invited the participants into a deeper encounter with God’s mercy, saying: “Let us be overwhelmed by God’s mercy and love. Lent is a beautiful invitation to open our hearts and truly see how deeply God loves us… May we use this time of grace to become more worthy of His sacrifice. He died for our sins, so why not surrender our sins to Him?”

During the gathering, Giannina Eunice A. Cabangon and Dannica Nicole A. Cabangon, daughters of the late Chairman D. Edgard A. Cabangon, were introduced as new members of the Board of Trustees, reflecting continuity of leadership rooted in faith, service, and commitment to Catholic media values.

The Catholic Mass Media Awards remains committed to recognizing media works that uphold truth, integrity, and human development, as it journeys through a season of reflection, renewal, and faith formation.