GMA Network has appointed Nessa Valdellon, who has played a pivotal role in transforming public affairs as a content powerhouse, as senior vice president for Public Affairs, effective 15 January.
Under Valdellon’s leadership, GMA Public Affairs expanded beyond its traditional documentaries and news programs to include soaps, romantic comedies, historical dramas, and drama anthologies. Notable programs she spearheaded include Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho, I-Witness, The Atom Araullo Specials, Reporter’s Notebook, Lolong, and Black Rider.
Valdellon was also instrumental in the creation and launch of GMA News TV in 2011, where she developed the channel’s full programming grid. During this time, she co-wrote and produced the critically acclaimed social realist series Bayan Ko and Titser. In 2018, she led GMA to win a YouTube innovation grant for the digital newscast Stand For Truth, marking a milestone in mobile journalism.
As executive vice president of GMA Pictures, Valdellon oversaw the network’s film arm, guiding it to back-to-back Metro Manila Film Festival wins with Green Bones (Best Picture 2024) and Firefly (Best Picture 2023). She also collaborated with GMA Public Affairs on the network’s first investigative documentary film, Lost Sabungeros, which explored the mysterious disappearance of over 30 cockfighters.
Valdellon, who already spent 2 decades in GMA, began her career in program management, where she helped launch hit reality shows like Wish Ko Lang, Extra Challenge, Imbestigador, and Survivor Philippines. She has served as a grand jury member at the New York Festivals and as a juror for the Asian Academy Creative Awards since 2018. Valdellon graduated from Ateneo de Manila University with a degree in Interdisciplinary Studies, focusing on History and Communications.
