ATMA 2026 Now Accepting Entries

The Archbishop Thibault Media Awards (ATMA) for this year 2026 is now accepting entries of any news article or documentary published, aired or posted on line between October 2024 until February 16, 2026.

The announcement now posted in the ATMA official Facebook page and announced during the first quarter meeting of Davao, Digos, Tagum and Mati (DADITAMA) held in Digos, March 2, 3 and 4, 2026 extending the invitation to their respective social communications ministries.

Earlier, representatives of the DADITAMA SoCCom gathered for an evaluation of the first DADITAMA SoCCom Convention were also invited to send in their entries for ATMA 2026 and urged to help in the campaign to invite mainstream media in their respective areas to join by sending their entries.

For Diocesan or parish level SoCComs, they may send in their entries for the following categories:

Inter Mirifica Award (on proper use of the Media of Social Communication) this award is exclusive for those pieces of work of the members of parish Social Communications team. Its themes and contents stories/news that exhibit accurate, fair, balance and objective which also avoid sensationalism both in the traditional media and social media; advance the responsible, creative and innovative utilization of media that are align to the teachings and principles of the Church; and contribute and promote to the pastoral thrusts of the Local Church;

Christus Vivit (on the Promotion, Encouragement and Support to young Christians to Grow in Holiness and in Commitment to their Personal Vocation) – this award is exclusive for those pieces of work of campus journalists in Senior High Schools and in the Higher Education institutions. Its themes and contents include youth empowerment highlighting their significant role in Church and society; critically tackle various issues and concerns affecting the young people; and convey message of faith and hope in young people as the “now” and future of the Church and society;

Communio et Progressio Award (Best Photojournalist) Inspired from the rich contents of the Church document on social communication, this award seeks to critically appreciate photos or captured images based on the important themes and reflections on the aforementioned document;

Evangelii Gaudium Award (On Evangelization and Culture) This award is for those pieces of work of the members of the media that are involved in the work of evangelization. Its themes and contents carry that sense of joy and hope, reflecting the positive and transformative message of the Gospel of the word of God; a critical scrutiny of situations of injustice, most especially affecting the poor from the lens of faith (social dimension of evangelization); and highlight the inspiring work of spirit-filled evanglizers;

Archbishop Clovis Thibault Special Award (highest award given to an Outstanding Story) The recipient of this award captures the total embodiment in its themes and contents what the Church seeks to promote in the light of the teachings of the Church that highlight the challenges of new evangelization, synodality (greater participation in the mission), stewardship (leadership), profound integration of faith and justice, promotion of human rights, and care for the common home; and adheres to the highest ethical and profession standards in journalism.

Deadline of entries is on April 18, 2026 and screening will be on April 20-May 9, 2026 while the declaration of finalists is set on the steering committee’s meeting in May in preparation for the awarding ceremony slated on May 16, 2026, a day prior to the celebration of the 60th World Communication Sunday.