Veteran broadcast journalist Mike Enriquez, a cornerstone figure at GMA Network, passed away on August 29, 2023. He was 71 years old.
Enriquez, a revered anchor for GMA’s flagship newscast "24 Oras," and host of the Public Affairs program "Imbestigador," had a career in broadcasting that spanned 54 years. He also served as President of RGMA Network, Inc. and was GMA Network’s Senior Vice President and Consultant for Radio Operations.
GMA Network announced his passing with "profound sadness," lauding his decades-long service to the Filipino audience. "He joined the broadcast industry in 1969 and then became part of GMA Network in 1995, wholeheartedly serving the Filipino audience for 54 years,” said the statement.
Beyond his managerial roles, Enriquez was also known for his radio anchoring on DZBB’s “Super Balita sa Umaga” and “Saksi sa Dobol B.”
Enriquez was the recipient of numerous awards recognizing his stellar contributions to both radio and television journalism. Last year, he won the Most Outstanding Male News Anchor for the fourth consecutive year at the Gawad Lasallianeta Awards. In 2019, he was celebrated as one of 10 media icons by the Media Specialists Association of the Philippines and received dual awards for Best Male News Anchor on both AM radio and television at the Animo Media Choice Awards.
His accolades also included international recognition. He won a gold medal at the New York Festivals in 2003 for his work in "Saksi" and received a Silver Camera Award in the U.S. Film and Video Festival in 2004 for a documentary about the Iraq War. He also garnered the Best Newscaster Award at the Asian Television Awards in Singapore in 1999.
Enriquez took medical leaves in 2018 and 2021 to undergo a heart bypass and a kidney transplant, respectively. He returned to work in March last year to cover the 2022 elections.
“The Board of Directors, management, and employees of GMA Network, Inc. deeply mourn the passing of Mr. Enriquez. His dedication to the industry will serve as an inspiration to all. We pray for the eternal repose of our beloved Kapuso,” said the network in its statement.
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