Tacloban radio practitioner is 2016 Plaridel awardee

Photo from UP College of Mass Communication Facebook page.

FRANCISCA “BABES” CUSTODIO, station manager of DYVL- Tacloban City will be conferred the 2016 University of the Philippines (UP) Gawad Plaridel.

Named after propagandist Marcelo H. Del Pilar, the annual award recognizes Filipino media practitioners who have excelled in media (print, radio, film, television) and incorporated public service and professional integrity in their work. Custodio, whose career spans five decades, was on duty the entire time typhoon Yolanda was ravaging the community. She has continuously spearheaded the rebuilding efforts of DYVL.

Custodio is also recognized for reviving the “Siday”, a traditional form of Waray poetry. Her introduction of the art form to radio has provided Waray writers a platform to discuss social issues through their poems.

The awarding ceremony will be held on August 24, 2:00 PM, at the UP College of Mass Communication’s Cine Adarna, where Lee will also be delivering a lecture.

The roster of Gawad Plaridel awardees includes: Ms. Eugenia Duran-Apostol (2004, print), Ms. Vilma Santos (2005, film), Ms. Fidela “Tiya Dely” Magpayo (2006, radio), Ms. Cecilia “Cheche” L. Lazaro (2007, television), Mr. Pachico A. Seares (2008, community print), Mr. Kidlat Tahimik (2009, independent film), Ms. Eloisa “Lola Sela” Canlas (2011, radio), Ms. Florence “Rosa Rosal” Danon-Gayda (2012, television), Mr. Jose “Pete” Lacaba (2013, print), Ms. Nora “Nora Aunor” Villamayor (2014, Transmedia) and Mr. Ricardo “Ricky” Lee (2015, Film).