Tacloban radio manager is UP Gawad Plaridel awardee

A veteran radio practitioner from Tacloban City in Leyte will be conferred the 12th UP Gawad ng Plaridel.

The University of the Philippines College of Mass Communication said Francisca “Babes” Custodio, radio manager of Manila Broadcasting Company AM station DYVL in Tacloban, will be recognized for her vast career in the broadcasting industry, a highlight of which was “bravely being on duty on the day typhoon Yolanda hit.”

Custodio rose from the ranks, starting as an aide in the station’s Accounting and Traffic Departments.

She is also cited for reviving the Siday, a traditional form of poetry and an important expression of regional identity, as a new medium in radio.

Custodio will be awarded a trophy designed by National Artist Napoleon Abueva in ceremonies on Wednesday at the UP Film Center in Diliman, where she will also deliver a lecture.

Named after hero propagandist Marcelo Del Pilar, the annual Gawad Plaridel recognizes Filipino media practitioners “who have excelled in any of the media (print, radio, film, and television) and who have performed with the highest level of professional integrity in the interest of public service.”

Writer Ricky Lee received the award last year for film.

Other recipients include Inquirer founder Eugenia Duran-Apostol (2004, print); Vilma Santos (2005, film); Ms. Fidela, “Tiya Dely” Magpayo (2006, radio); Cecilia “Cheche” L. Lazaro (2007, television); Pachico A. Seares (2008, community print), Kidlat Tahimik (2009, independent film); Eloisa “Lola Sela” Canlas (2011, radio); Florence “Rosa Rosal” Danon-Gayda (2012, television); Jose “Pete” Lacaba (2013, print); and Nora “Nora Aunor” Villamayor (2014, transmedia). YG/RAM

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