In a moment that marks a proud milestone not only for Philippine broadcasting but for Asian media at large, Nessa Valdellon, the Senior Vice President for News and Public Affairs at GMA Network, has been named as a juror for the prestigious 2025 International Emmy Awards.

And for many in the industry, it isn’t just a personal triumph—it’s a symbol of how Filipino storytelling continues to shape the global narrative.

A Voice That Carries Beyond Borders

For over two decades, Nessa Valdellon has been at the helm of some of the Philippines’ most acclaimed television content. From hard-hitting news programs to gripping documentaries, her vision has helped define truth-telling for millions of viewers. Yet, behind her soft-spoken demeanor lies a woman with a fierce commitment to quality journalism and creative storytelling.

To those who’ve worked alongside her, this recognition was long overdue.

“She’s not just a TV executive,” says a colleague from GMA. “She’s a storyteller with purpose. And that’s exactly what the Emmys need.”

The Road to the Emmys

Every year, the International Academy of Television Arts & Sciences invites prominent figures in television from around the world to join its elite jury. These individuals are carefully selected based on their experience, leadership, and contribution to the craft of television. Being part of that circle is not just an honor—it’s a powerful endorsement.

For Nessa, the appointment serves as a full-circle moment.

Years ago, she helped lead groundbreaking specials like I-Witness and Brigada, programs that not only won local acclaim but also garnered international recognition. Her work brought stories from far-flung provinces—tales of resilience, poverty, hope, and courage—to the living rooms of Filipinos and to the consciousness of the world.

Now, she will help judge the very kind of global content she has long championed.

Why It Matters Now

In an era where misinformation is rampant and the truth is often contested, having voices like Valdellon’s in global forums is crucial. Her presence on the jury is not just about prestige—it’s about perspective. It’s about ensuring that Asian voices, and more importantly, Filipino experiences, are seen and heard in spaces that shape the future of media.

Valdellon herself reflected on the significance of the moment in a brief statement:
“This is a great honor not just for me, but for the entire team I work with at GMA. We’ve always believed that Filipino stories matter. To be part of an international conversation that celebrates excellence in storytelling is deeply humbling.”

A Woman of Firsts

This isn’t the first time Valdellon has broken barriers. As one of the few women to hold an executive position in a male-dominated industry, she has long paved the way for young journalists and producers.

Under her leadership, GMA Public Affairs has produced award-winning shows that challenge norms and ask difficult questions—shows like Reporter’s Notebook, Born to Be Wild, Reel Time, and The Atom Araullo Specials. Many of these programs have gained recognition from international award-giving bodies, proving that excellence isn’t bound by geography.

“She’s not loud. She doesn’t need to be,” one producer notes. “Her work speaks for itself. Her values speak even louder.”

Representing the Philippines on the World Stage

There is something poetic about Valdellon’s selection this year. As the International Emmys seek to reflect the diversity and complexity of the television landscape, her inclusion symbolizes a broader movement—one where Southeast Asia is no longer just a market for international content but a source of it.

For young Filipino filmmakers and journalists, this appointment is a beacon. It says, loudly and clearly: your work matters. Your stories matter. You belong on the world stage.

Inside the Jury Room

As a juror, Valdellon will participate in evaluating entries across various categories, including news, current affairs, and documentaries. She will be part of confidential panels tasked with assessing how content informs, moves, and innovates.

It’s a heavy responsibility—but one she’s been preparing for her entire career.

“When you’ve seen the best and worst of humanity through your lens,” Valdellon once said in a past interview, “you learn to value authenticity. That’s what I’ll be looking for—stories that tell the truth, no matter how uncomfortable.”

Looking Ahead

The International Emmy Awards will be held in November 2025 in New York City, with jurors from over 60 countries expected to participate. As the world tunes in to celebrate television’s finest, the Philippines will be quietly, proudly represented—through a woman who has spent her life championing the truth.

As GMA Network continues to expand its reach and redefine excellence in broadcasting, Valdellon’s role signals a deeper mission: to connect Filipino stories with the global human experience.

A Final Word

Not all victories are loud. Some are quiet, graceful acknowledgments of a lifetime spent doing the right work for the right reasons.

Nessa Valdellon didn’t ask for the spotlight. But by standing in it, she brings with her a legacy of integrity, compassion, and fierce commitment to the truth.

And perhaps, in today’s world, there is no greater power than that.