PRESS FEATURE
CFO honors global media champions of Filipino migrant story
This article was originally published by Marita Moaje in the Philippine News Agency.
MANILA — The Commission on Filipinos Overseas (CFO) honored 18 media professionals, content creators, and institutions from around the world for their contributions to global conversations on migration.
At the awarding ceremony in Alabang on Thursday evening, CFO Secretary Dante “Klink” Ang II highlighted that the work of journalists and creators goes beyond reporting on economics or policy.
He said their storytelling directly shapes public perception of overseas Filipinos and influences how the government responds to the needs of the 10.7 million-strong Filipino diaspora.
“Here today are the faces and names who have the power to shape the narratives of our kababayans, and advocate for the cause and welfare of Filipino people in the midst of the global crises,” Ang said.
“Just as the CFO bridges Filipinos overseas with their roots, the media serves as a bridge between information and the public, ensuring that credible information reaches every corner of society.”
This year’s awardees represent the Philippines, Germany, Australia, Spain, Canada, and the United States.
Ang also warned of the rise of online misinformation and echoed President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s call to strengthen media partnerships to counter fake news.
Truth-telling and accountability
Awardees included Leila Rispens-Noel (Philippines) for her fiction book The Mimosa Crown; Lorna Lardizabal Dietz, Rispens-Noel, Cindy Wong, and Maya Butalid (Philippines) for the non-fiction anthology Diaspora Journey; and Al Joseph Lumen (Germany) for his essay “Ausländer: Mga Danas sa Alemanya.”
Other winners were The Philippine Times – Australia for Best Newspaper; the Philippine Consulate General in Barcelona for Best Guide Book (ICON Kit); Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho for Best TV Magazine Show; Maalaala Mo Kaya for Best Drama Anthology; and “Pagbangon: Iba’t Ibang Mukha ng Pagpapatuloy” by Rhea Santos, Arvin Joaquin, and Paul Saraza (Canada) for Best TV Special Report.
Documentary honors went to Home of the Brave by Baby Ruth Villarama (Philippines) and Nurse Unseen by Michele Josue (USA). Other categories recognized radio programs, podcasts, websites, vlogs, advertisements, media advocates, and youth champions.
Photo from The Philippine Times (Australia)
Voices of awardees
Santos, a former broadcast journalist in the country and now based in Canada, was recognized with her team for their special report narrating how migrant Filipinos continue living their life abroad despite the challenges.
In an interview with the Philippine News Agency, she shared that she migrated in 2019 as an international student and later joined Omni News Filipino, which was an opportunity she never expected.
Santos explained the irreplaceable value of Tagalog reporting, especially abroad.
“May mga damdamin ng Pilipino na walang katumbas sa Ingles. May mga salita na walang (There are Filipino feelings that have no equivalent in English. There are words that have no) English translation,” she said.
“We serve as the voice of Filipinos and Filipino Canadians on issues that matter. We will also monitor issues in the Philippines because Filipinos abroad actually care about what’s happening back home.”
Also honored was 18-year-old Emilio Lauro Baja, recipient of the Special Citation for Best Youth Advocate.
Baja founded Full Phils, a non-governmental organization that provides online college education to overseas Filipino workers in Hong Kong, and currently supports 30 scholars, with two recent graduates.
Full Phils has partnered with AMA University, the Philippine Women’s University, and this year, the University of the Philippines.
Baja said many OFWs juggle work and studies in pursuit of a better future.
“It’s a testament to their resilience that they can study and work at the same time to fulfill their dreams,” he said.
Now in its ninth year, the Migration Advocacy and Media (MAM) Awards have recognized 99 honorees from 20 countries since 2011, celebrating those who elevate the stories and struggles of Filipinos around the world. (PNA)