Kabayan Wins at New York Festivals 2012

Kabayan Wins at New York Festivals 2012

Multi-awarded broadcast journalist Kabayan Noli de Castro's public affairs program “Kabayan” won a Bronze World Medal in the Best Public Affairs Program category at the prestigious 2012 New York Festivals (NYF) International Radio Program & Promotion Awards.

Kabayan is the only Philippine radio program included in this year’s edition of the International Radio Program & Promotions Awards of the NYF. This DZMM radio program was honored for its coverage of the plight of the Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) caught in the recent conflict in Syria last January.  

He also added that the recognition from the international award-giving body highlights the significance of helping OFWs who suffer and are in danger.

“The painful truth is that many Filipinos work overseas to provide for their families. But we at DZMM will continue to protect the welfare of our modern day heroes,” he said.

“Kabayan” served as the link between the Department of Foreign Affairs and OFWs living in different parts of Syria, including OFW Gande Das whom Kabayan would talk to on air everyday to calm her down after she threatened to jump off her employer’s building so she could escape and come back to the Philippines. The Philippine embassy in Damascus had already repatriated Das and other OFWs.

For 53 years, the NYF International Radio Program & Promotion Awards has given honors to outstanding radio programs in all lengths and formats from radio stations, networks and independent producers from around the globe.

“Kabayan” is aired on Radyo Patrol 630 and DZMM TeleRadyo (SkyCable Ch 26) on weekdays at 6 a.m.