Alabang: 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, 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.
According to Philippines News Agency, Ang emphasized the vital role of media in shaping narratives and advocating for the welfare of Filipino people amid global crises. He noted that while the CFO connects Filipinos overseas with their roots, 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 addressed the issue of rising online misinformation and echoed President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s call to strengthen media partnerships to counter fake news. The awardees included Leila Rispens-Noel from the Philippines for her fiction book "The Mimosa Crown" and a collaborative work by Lorna Lardizabal Dietz, Rispens-Noel, Cindy Wong, and Maya Butalid for the non-fiction anthology "Diaspora Journey." Al Joseph Lumen from Germany was recognized for his essay "Ausl¤nder: Mga Danas sa Alemanya."
The winners spanned various categories, with The Philippine Times - Australia being recognized as Best Newspaper, and the Philippine Consulate General in Barcelona receiving an award for Best Guide Book (ICON Kit). Other notable winners included "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 from Canada for Best TV Special Report.
Documentary honors went to "Home of the Brave" by Baby Ruth Villarama from the Philippines and "Nurse Unseen" by Michele Josue from the USA. Other categories recognized radio programs, podcasts, websites, vlogs, advertisements, media advocates, and youth champions.
Rhea Santos, a former broadcast journalist now based in Canada, was acknowledged for her special report on the lives of migrant Filipinos abroad. In an interview, Santos shared her journey from being an international student to joining Omni News Filipino, underscoring the unique value of Tagalog reporting outside the Philippines. She emphasized the importance of serving as a voice for Filipinos and Filipino Canadians on significant issues, while also keeping an eye on developments in the Philippines.
Eighteen-year-old Emilio Lauro Baja received a Special Citation for Best Youth Advocate. Baja founded Full Phils, an organization offering online college education to overseas Filipino workers in Hong Kong, currently supporting 30 scholars. Baja highlighted the resilience of OFWs who balance work and studies to achieve their dreams.
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 worldwide.
