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| GMA Network's First Vice President and Head of International Operations Joseph T. Francia is "Asia's Remarkable Leader for Broadcast Media Operations" in Asia's Golden Icon Awards 2024. (Image Source: GMA Network) |
GMA Network's First Vice President and Head of International Operations Joseph T. Francia was honored as "Asia's Remarkable Leader for Broadcast Media Operations" at the "Asia's Golden Icon Awards 2024: Celebrating Excellence and Impact Across Asia" awarding ceremony and gala held last May 31, 2024 at Okada Manila. Organized by founder and chairperson Dr. Ronnel P. Ybañez who recently obtained a Doctor of Philosophy degree in Urban Planning with a Major in Leadership and Management from CCOL London UK Graduate School of Professionals and Dr. Sergio Ortis-Luis, Jr., President of the Employers Confederation of the Philippines (ECOP), Asia's Golden Icon Awards honors the excellence and contributions of individuals to their respective industries and communities, and brings together a diverse group of people from various sectors, including the arts, businesses, and philanthropy, and is a celebration of the rich tapestry of talent within the Asian region.
In his acceptance speech, Francia underscored the Network’s commitment to the Global Pinoys, stating, "For 19 years now, through GMA Pinoy TV, GMA Life TV, and GMA News TV International, we have platforms on television, online, and on-the-ground to inform and entertain Filipinos around the world, encourage community engagement, and advocate for the Global Pinoy among their circle of family and friends in the Philippines and around the world. We are honored that our efforts to use these platforms to positively impact society are recognized." As GMA Network's First Vice President and Head of International Operations, Francia oversees the business development, operations, marketing, programming, and multi-platform distribution across overseas markets of the Kapuso Network's international channels GMA Pinoy TV, GMA Life TV, and GMA News TV International.
Under Francia's leadership, GMA Pinoy TV, the Network's flagship international channel and the home of Global Pinoys, has made significant strides in territory and platform distribution. With innovative programs now available digitally and accessible across various devices, Global Pinoys are brought closer to home while enjoying their favorite shows. Beyond providing world-class entertainment, GMA International is also dedicated to further championing Global Pinoys through various community engagements and programs. Its advocacies include financial and digital literacy, mental health awareness, and efforts to combat anti-Asian hate. Earlier this year, the Office of New York State Assemblymember Steven Raga proclaimed February 27 as GMA Network Day in the Great State of New York in recognition of the invaluable contributions and support that GMA provides to Filipino communities especially in New York State and throughout the United States.
Other distinguished personalities honored at the Asia’s Golden Icon Awards 2024 include Philippine Senator and former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Mark A. Villar as “Asia’s Visionary Leader in Philippine Infrastructure", Commission on Elections (COMELEC) Chairman George Erwin Garcia as “Iconic Leader in Public Governance", Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL) Director-General Rowel Barba as “Distinguished Icon in Business and Law", Department of Health (DOH) Secretary Teodoro Herbosa as “Asia’s Most Influential Leader for Public Health in the National Government Agency", Atty. Lorna Kapunan as "Asia's Iconic Leader for Justice and Human Rights", Claudine Barretto as “Asia’s Multi-Awarded Actress", Ara Mina as “Asia’s Most Accomplished Actress", Sheryn Regis as “Asia’s Exceptional Singer for Outstanding Industry", Deo “Diwata” Balbuena as “Social Media Influencer of the Year" and Kapuso actor Kelvin Miranda as “Asia’s Rising Multi-Talented Entertainer". Also honored are ABS-CBN News' flagship primetime newscast TV Patrol as "Asia's Reliable News Program In Philippine News Media", the Philippine Movie Press Club (PMPC) as "Asia's Iconic Organization In Philippine Entertainment Sector", Zoe Broadcasting Network Inc. as "Asia's Exemplary Broadcasting Media for Exceptional Audience Engagement", Creati-Voices as "Asia's Premier Voice-Over Production Company of the Year", People's Television Network Inc. as "Asia's Broadcasting Excellence in Public Service", Lyceum of the Philippines University (LPU) Batangas as "Asia's Outstanding Institution for Student Leadership Development", BILIB as "Outstanding P-Pop Boy Group", and The Angelos as "Distinguished Classical Pop Tenor Group" among others.
In addition to the impressive list of local luminaries, the event also welcomed several internationally acclaimed awardees, including H.E. Dr. Jurapas Pitaksethakarn from Thailand, International Diplomatic Cooperative Organization (IDCO) Founder Hendrik Van Der Ham from the Netherlands, a Dutch architect and author and Bridges2000 Founder and Head of Operations Erick Van Egeraat, Keiko Kuniyoshi and Keiichi Tada from Japan, H.H Sheikh Ali Rashed Ali Saeed Al Maktoum from United Arab Emirates (U.A.E.), Samuel Lee from Singapore, Gfk Conseils-Juridis Founder and CEO Romain Gerardin-Fresse from France, WFG Founder and Chairman Agnes Miranda from Canada, and other prominent international awardees. Catch the 2024 Asia's Golden Icon Awards on-demand and see the complete and pictured list of awardees on Asia's Golden Icon Awards' official Facebook page.
