Kara Patria Constantino David, whose name means “Beloved Homeland,” has devoted the past three decades of her career to unearthing and telling powerful stories across the Philippines.
On July 8, 2025, in celebration of her 30th year in the industry, Kara renewed her ties with GMA Network. The ceremonial contract signing gathered network executives, colleagues, and individuals whose lives Kara has touched through her work.
In attendance were GMA President and CEO Gilberto R. Duavit, Jr., GMA Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Felipe S. Yalong, and Senior Vice President for Public Affairs and Executive Vice President for GMA Pictures Nessa Valdellon.
In his video message, GMA Network Chairman Atty. Felipe L. Gozon congratulated Kara on her 30 years of being a loyal Kapuso.
“Ang mga istoryang inihahatid mo, lalo na sa iyong mga dokumentaryo, ay tumatatak sa puso at isip ng mga Pilipino. Masaya kami na patuloy kang magiging bahagi ng GMA Network at GMA Public Affairs. Ang ibig sabihin nito ay marami ka pang award-winning na kuwentong maihahatid at magmumulat sa kamalayan at makapagpapabuti ng buhay ng ating mga manonood. Maraming salamat sa iyong malasakit at dedikasyon,” said Atty. Gozon.
Mr. Duavit likewise lauded Kara’s contribution to GMA Network.
“The contribution of Kara cannot be measured. Kara has worked before, in front of, behind the camera. Lahat ng kontribusyon niya sa mga programa, sa mga isip at diwa ng ating manonood at ating mga Kapuso, hindi natin masusukat. We are privileged, honored, happy, na si Kara ay isang Kapuso at mananatili pang Kapuso,” said Duavit.
“Kara, thank you very much for your continued trust and support and for being Kara David. You are a credit to all of us. Ginagalang at minamahal ka naming lahat,” he added.
Mr. Yalong also thanked Kara’s dedication to her craft.
“Kara, salamat that you continue to be with us. And I hope that you will come up with more documentaries that are very meaningful and very timely for the situation that we have right now. Again, salamat sa iyo,” he said.
Meanwhile, Valdellon underscored Kara’s work beyond television. “On behalf of Public Affairs, thank you for your 30 years of purpose-driven storytelling. Thank you for sending so many of our I-Witness case studies to school – making sure they were able to graduate from college from the time you met them in elementary. Thank you for staying relevant and relatable. Thank you for touching countless lives and thank you for loving GMA for three decades,” said Valdellon.
Overflowing with gratitude, Kara shared how she looks forward to continuing her meaningful journey as a loyal Kapuso.
“Thank you, GMA, for giving me a chance. I will be forever grateful to you for taking a chance on me when nobody else wanted to. Thank you for giving me this platform. Thank you for allowing me to tell stories and for allowing me to use these stories to help more people in the Philippines. ‘Yun naman ‘’yung tatak ng Serbisyong Totoo–ginagawa natin ang istoryang ito hindi para sa sarili pero para sa mas marami. At iyon ang itinuro sa akin ng GMA,” said David.
Also celebrating Kara’s milestone were Public Affairs’ Vice President Arlene Carnay, Assistant Vice Presidents Jonathan Tam and Joy Madrigal, Senior Program Managers Sherilyn Bruan and Joseph Conrad Rubio, and Program Manager Maharlika Corullo. Present as well was Assistant Vice President for Corporate Communications Jojo Aquio.
Beyond 30 Years of Impactful Storytelling
Kara’s television career began with on-the-job training on “Super Show” before officially joining GMA in 1995 as a production assistant. She quickly transitioned into writing roles for “Brigada Siete” and “Emergency,” and later became a reporter for “Brigada Siete” and “I-Witness.” Her extensive career includes anchoring “News to Go” and hosting “Power House,” “Brigada,” “Case Unclosed,” “OFW Diaries,” and “Pinas Sarap” – which has been GTV’s number 1 program for two consecutive years. She remains one of the pioneering hosts of “I-Witness,” which celebrated its 25th year in 2024.
She has produced hundreds of award-winning documentaries, earning numerous accolades such as the UNICEF Child Rights Award for “Selda Inosente,” a George Foster Peabody Award for “Ambulansyang de Paa,” and Investigative Journalist of the Year for “Bitay.” She was also recognized as one of the Outstanding Young Men (TOYM) in 2007 and one of the Ten Outstanding Women in the Nation’s Service (TOWNS) in 2011.
Outside of television, Kara founded “Project Malasakit,” a scholarship initiative that began through the cases featured in her documentaries – turning stories into lasting impact.
During the contract renewal, GMA Public Affairs honored Kara with a surprise tribute: a live storybook presentation chronicling her journey and the many lives she has touched on and off camera.
The signing event also marked the official launch of Kara’s newest project – GMA Public Affairs’ latest podcast, “I-Listen.” Featuring heartfelt conversations that truly resonate with listeners, each episode tells the unique stories of Filipinos, showcasing raw, relatable experiences that will touch your heart and spark meaningful reflection. It will soon be available on GMA Public Affairs’ social media platforms, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts.
