AI, Media, and the Mission of the Church: DaDiTaMa SoCCom Gathering & ATMA 2026

In a world where digital platforms continue to shape conversations and Artificial Intelligence rapidly transforms communication, Catholic communicators from across the DaDiTaMa Sub-Region gathered with one shared mission: to keep Christ and authentic human encounter at the heart of communication.

Held on May 16 at the Bapa Benny Tudtud Auditorium of Ateneo de Davao University, the DaDiTaMa SocCom Gathering 2026 brought together social communicators from the Archdiocese of Davao and the dioceses of Digos, Tagum, and Mati in celebration of the 60th World Communications Sunday 2026 on the Ascension of the Lord Sunday.

This year’s gathering reflected on the theme, “Preserving Human Voices and Faces,” the theme of the World Communications Sunday by His Holiness, Pope Leo XIV. highlighting the growing responsibility of communicators in navigating the opportunities and challenges brought by Artificial Intelligence and the continuously evolving digital landscape.

Representing the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines – Episcopal Commission on Social Communications, Executive Secretary Edwin T. Lopez reminded participants that communication ministry must always remain rooted in “Quality Relational Presence.” He emphasized that while technology can assist the work of evangelization, authentic human connection, compassion, and truthful storytelling can never be replaced by machines.

Meanwhile, Alexander S. Lopez introduced participants to the realities and developments of Artificial Intelligence across the world. He discussed various AI tools and innovations that communicators may responsibly maximize in media ministry and evangelization, while also cautioning against losing the human factor in communication.

Adding a global perspective to the discussions, Gabriel Lopez shared how Eternal Word Television Network (EWTN) continues to reach geographically isolated and religiously restricted communities through its EWTN Digital Global Services initiative. His presentation demonstrated how technology, when guided by mission and purpose, can become a powerful instrument in proclaiming the Gospel.

Beyond the discussions on technology and media, the gathering also became a celebration of excellence in journalism and social communication through the Archbishop Thibault Media Awards 2026, honoring media practitioners and communicators whose works reflected the values and social teachings of the Church.

Rev. Fr. Antonio M. Basillio, SJ delivered the opening remarks, Fr. Ritsche Gamaya Managing Director of the Davao Verbum Dei Media Foundation Inc. and the Archdiocesan Commission on Social Communications, provided the rationale. Additionally, Archbishop Rex Andrew Alarcon, Chairman of the ECSC gave the keynote address and followed by an inspirational message from the President of the Catholic Media Network (CMN) Rev. Fr. Francis Lucas.

The following were recognized during the awarding ceremony:

• Laudato Si’ — Protecting The Sea Turtles of Mati by Nova Mae Francas of MindaNews
• Dignitas Infinita — Straight Shot: Inclusivity by Renz Barbarona of PTV Davao
• Fratelli Tutti — Inside Bangsamoro: Reflection On Moro’s Identity by David Ezra Francisquete of SunStar Davao
• Familiaris Consortio — A Christmas of Hope, One Small Step at a Time by Cristina E. Alivio of SunStar Davao
• Mulieris Dignitatem — Abante Kababayen-an: Gender-Based Violence by Shannon Kate C. Pabroa of Davao Disaster Radio 87.5FM
• Populorum Progressio — Straight Shot with Community Volunteers by Vinafel Araneta-Pilapil of PTV Davao
• Laborem Exercens — South Cotabato Farmers Future-Proofing Rice in an Uncertain Climate by Nova Mae Francas of MindaNews
• Erga Migrantes — SPIMS Congress ng Department of Migrant Workers sa Davao City by Jaira Mondez-Alis of PTV Davao
• Christus Vivit — Come Blue Knights Take Your Stand by Elliot Dimasuhid of Atenews, Ateneo de Davao University
• Inter Mirifica — “Kaagbay Nimo”: Psychological First Aid 2026 by Sophia Beatrice V. Sison of Davao Catholic Herald
• Evangelii Gaudium — Davao Archdiocese To End “Cry for Mercy, Renewal” Prayer on Nov. 23 by Cristina E. Alivio of SunStar Davao
• Communio et Progressio — MANIngkamot by Jana Buagas of Atenews, Ateneo de Davao University

The prestigious Archbishop Clovis Thibault Media Award was presented to Nova Mae Francas of MindaNews for the feature story “South Cotabato Farmers Future-Proofing Rice in an Uncertain Climate.”

Special recognition was also given to Most Rev. Romulo G. Valles and Most Rev. Guillermo Afable, who both received the Archbishop Clovis Thibault Special Award in recognition of their steadfast support and contribution to the mission of social communications in the Church.

Present during the conferment of the awards were Rev. Fr. Ritsche J. Gamaya, together with Most Rev. Romulo G. Valles, D.D., and Most Rev. Abel Apigo, D.D., Bishop of Mati.

As the gathering came to a close, the 137 participants were reminded that while communication methods may continue to evolve, the mission of evangelization remains deeply human. In the midst of advancing technology and Artificial Intelligence, communicators of the Church are called not only to inform, but to accompany, to inspire, and to become credible voices of truth and hope in today’s digital world.