Broadcast journalist Kara David breaks her silence on the discussions that followed her tie victory with actress-content creator Ivana Alawi at the 2026 FAMAS Broadcast Arts Awards.
During the July 29, 2026 episode of Fast Talk with Boy Abunda, Kara was asked about the online debate that emerged after she and Ivana were named co-winners in the Best Host for Public Service under the TV and New Media category.
Among the reactions were some netizens arguing that mainstream journalists and online content creators should be recognized separately.
Read: I-Witness debunks claims against Kara David's Subic dumpsite docu
every platform has a role
Rather than focusing on the differences between platforms, Kara said she appreciates anyone who uses storytelling to help others.
"Ako, nirerespeto ko yung iba't ibang platforms," she began.
"Nirerespeto ko at natutuwa ako na maraming iba't ibang tao na gumagamit ng kapangyarihan ng storytelling para makatulong sa iba."
She understands that she and Ivana work on different platforms, but, believes each has its own place.
"I acknowledge na iba-iba tayo ng platform. So iba yung platform ni Ivana, iba yung platform ko, iba yung platform ng iba't ibang tao."
Kara, however, underscored that public service should always remain focused on helping others.
"Sana lang 'pag nag-public service talaga tayo, it's really for the public, not for ourselves."
Kara and Ivana emerged as co-winners from a roster of nominees that also included veteran broadcast journalists Jessica Soho and Vicky Morales, Public Attorney's Office (PAO) chief Persida Rueda-Acosta, and physician Dr. Edinell Calvario.
Read: Boss Toyo apologizes after Kara David documentary backlash
Kara clarifies 'Ibinasurang Paraiso' issue
Earlier in the interview, Tito Boy also asked Kara about the controversy surrounding her documentary "Ibinasurang Paraiso," which became a topic of discussion after online personality Boss Toyo and other vloggers visited the area featured in the documentary.
Kara clarified that she has no personal issue with Boss Toyo: "Wala kaming away ni Boss Toyo."
Instead, she stressed that the documentary was meant to draw attention to the garbage dumped in the ancestral domain of Indigenous communities.
"Ang issue namin dito ay may basurang tinambak sa gubat, sa ancestral domain ng mga katutubo.
"Ang gusto lang namin nung ginawa namin yung docu na yon, hindi siraan ng kung sinuman or kalabanin ng kung sinuman. Gusto naming matanggal yung basura."
She also related that she was encouraged after learning that cleanup efforts reportedly began after the documentary aired.
However, Kara pointed out that removing years' worth of waste cannot be accomplished overnight.
"And we're very happy na pagkatapos umere ng docu, nagkaroon siya ng suporta sa mga netizens, sa mga tao.
"And right after the documentary aired, nakakuha kami ng balita na naglinis daw yung local government. Tinanggal daw nila yung basura doon.
"Pero seven years kasi nilang tinambak yung basura doon, so hindi mo naman matatanggal yun in one week."
She ended by expressing hope that the cleanup efforts would continue: "So, yung cleanup na ginawa nila doon sa gubat, sana magtuloy-tuloy."
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