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| L-R: New York State Assembly Deputy Speaker Philip Ramos, GMA Network First Vice President and Head of International Operations Joseph T. Francia, New York State Assemblymember Steven Raga (Image Source: GMA Network/Office Of New York State Assemblymember Steven Raga) |
In honor and recognition of its valuable contributions to the Filipino community in the State and throughout the United States, February 27 was declared GMA Network Day in the Great State of New York. The proclamation was bestowed by the Office of New York State Assemblymember Steven Raga. In ceremonies at the New York State Assembly in Albany, Assemblymember Raga lauded GMA International and GMA Network's First Vice President and Head of International Operations Joseph T. Francia while the said assembly was in legislative session. Witnessing the ceremonies were members of the New York State Assembly led by the Presiding Officer Jeffrion L. Aubrey and Deputy Speaker Philip Ramos and members of the Filipino-American Communities.
Recognizing GMA International’s significant role in advancing Filipino interests and culture within American society, Assemblymember Raga said, “As we prepare to celebrate these achievements in the upcoming New York State Assembly legislative session, it is a reminder of the powerful role media plays in connecting and uplifting our community, no matter where we are in the world. This honoring is a testament to the positive influence of GMA Pinoy TV on Filipinos everywhere.” Assemblymember Raga, in turn, acknowledged Francia’s strong commitment to Global Pinoys, stating, “I am deeply honored to recognize Mr. Joseph Francia for his remarkable contributions through GMA Pinoy TV, which has significantly impacted the global Filipino community. His visionary leadership and commitment to showcasing the richness of our culture and the talent of Filipinos worldwide deserve our utmost respect and admiration. It’s a privilege to be part of this historic moment and to honor someone who has so profoundly shaped the narrative of the Filipino diaspora.”
Francia warmly welcomed the proclamations as these reinforce the long-standing mission of GMA International to champion Global Pinoys and to celebrate their achievements around the world. These came at an opportune time, especially in the United States, where GMA International remains steadfast in its commitment to promoting Filipino representation and inclusivity while fostering an empowered community in American mainstream society. “We, at GMA Network, are grateful for these recognitions by the New York State Assembly through the diligent efforts of Assemblymember Steven Raga. We also thank our carriers and distributors who partner with us to give us platforms that allow us to be part of the daily lives of our subscribers and viewers. Through GMA Pinoy TV, GMA Life TV, and GMA News TV, we have platforms on-air, online, and on-the-ground, to encourage community engagement, inform and entertain the Filipino diaspora and their circle of family and friends, and advocate for even greater representation for the Global Pinoy. We share these with the Filipino-American community, especially the vibrant Filipino community in Albany that gave us a warm welcome on this cold winter day. Maraming salamat, at Mabuhay, mga Kapuso!" said Francia.
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| GMA Network First Vice President and Head of International Operations Joseph T. Francia (center) with New York State Assemblymember Steven Raga, Office of Assemblymember Raga Chief of Staff Olivia Leahy, New York-based Fil-Am community advocate Roberto Dumaual, Kalayaan 1521 Inc. Co-Founder Mary Ann Gozon-Kapunan and Public Relations Officer Cecille Castillon-Weinstein, Philippine Independence Day Council Inc. (PIDCI) President Arman David and Executive Director Nora Galleros, Bureau of Health Services' Infection Preventionist/Epidemiologist Glenn Mar Fordan Tosoc with wife Claire of Albany Medical Center, and leaders and members of the Filipino-American community of Albany, New York (Image Source: GMA Network/Office Of New York State Assemblymember Steven Raga) |
Joining Francia in receiving the proclamations were Philippine Independence Day Council Inc. (PIDCI) President Arman David, Executive Director and Immediate Past President Nora Galleros and Vice President Joyce Andres David as well as New York-based community advocate Robert Dumaual and Mary Ann Kapunan, leader of the Filipino community in Albany. “GMA has been a part of the Filipinos for ages with the incredible amount of work, energy, and resources that they have poured-over for the promotion of the Filipino Cause. On a similar note, the work of Mr. Joseph Francia in leading this organization through the years is nothing but outstanding, keeping the Filipinos well-informed, well-connected, and most of all grounded to the realities happening in our motherland, as well as the different activities, initiatives, innovations, and effort of the different Filipino Communities around the globe," said Sol Jasper Kapunan, Founding President of Kalayaan 1521 Council Inc., a non-profit corporation based in New York.
GMA Pinoy TV started pre-launch operations in the US 20 years ago and was first introduced to the US and the global market in 2005. For 2024, GMA International’s campaign further champions Global Pinoys through various engagements focusing on financial literacy, mental health awareness, and efforts to combat anti-Asian hate, as well as other collaborations with the Filipino-American community. GMA Pinoy TV, GMA Life TV, and GMA News TV, meanwhile, continue to bring Global Pinoys worldwide closer to home through innovative programming. As the world continues to evolve, GMA International stands ready to serve and uplift Global Pinoys worldwide.
