‘It Took Me 44 Years to Get This’: Mel Tiangco, on being named Most Trusted TV News and Current Affairs Host

Veteran broadcast journalist and 24 Oras anchor Mel Tiangco has once again proven why Filipinos turn to her for credible news. At the 27th Reader’s Digest Trusted Brand Awards on April 4 at Marco Polo Ortigas Manila, she was honored as Most Trusted TV News and Current Affairs Host—the latest in a string of recognitions that span her remarkable 44-year career.

“Thank you for telling me here and now that I have been doing a good job,” Tiangco said upon accepting the award. Reflecting on two decades as the face of 24 Oras’ primetime newscast, she added, “It took me 44 years to get this. Forty-four years and my heart is filled with overwhelming happiness, joy, and fulfillment at the thought that I have attained the ultimate achievement in my profession—to be acclaimed as the most trusted, having been determined solely by the general public.”

Tiangco paid tribute to GMA Network and GMA Integrated News for fostering the high standards of trust and integrity she’s known for. “I am truly blessed to belong to an organization whose every member—from writers and reporters to technical crews—shares the same commitment to delivering truthful, relevant information to millions of Filipinos.”

As anchor of GMA’s flagship newscast 24 Oras and host of the long-running drama anthology Magpakailanman, Tiangco combines seasoned journalistic rigor with genuine empathy. She also founded and serves as ambassador for the GMA Kapuso Foundation, the network’s socio-civic arm.

This Reader’s Digest accolade adds to an illustrious list of honors:

• 2019 Rotary Peace Award, Rotary International District 3830—first journalist recipient
• Induction into the Anak TV Hall of Fame (Makabata Award) and EdukCircle Hall of Fame (Outstanding Journalist in Public Service)
• Multiple recognitions from the Philippine Movie Press Club, Soroptimist International, and the COMGUILD Center for Journalism
• Most Outstanding Female News Anchor, 7th Gawad Lasallianeta (January 2025)
• Community Impact Award, inaugural Babae Awards by WomenBizPH (March 2025)

GMA Network celebrates Mel Tiangco’s enduring influence on Philippine media—her professionalism and integrity continue to inspire both colleagues and viewers alike.