Bacolod Celebrates Broadcasting Excellence with Prestigious Awards Ceremony
The Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas (KBP)-Negros Occidental Chapter, in partnership with the Bacolod City Government, honored exceptional broadcasters and radio programs for their outstanding contributions to journalism, storytelling, and responsible broadcasting. The Tingug Kag Handurawan Awards ceremony took place at L'Fisher Hotel on March 14, 2026, marking a significant celebration of media excellence in the region.
Joint Initiative for World Radio Day
This prestigious awarding ceremony represents a collaborative project between the KBP-Negros Occidental Chapter and Bacolod City, organized as part of the city's annual observance of World Radio Day. The event brought together prominent figures from both media and government sectors, highlighting the enduring partnership between broadcast journalism and public service.
Distinguished Guests and Personal Reflections
The ceremony was attended by Mayor Greg Gasataya, who himself began his career as a radio reporter at Bombo Radyo Bacolod in 1993. Mayor Gasataya shared personal insights about the challenges journalists face in delivering accurate information to the public, noting that "those were challenging years in bringing precise and correct information to our listeners." He expressed satisfaction with how radio has successfully adapted to technological changes while maintaining its essential role in society.
Former councilor Alex Paglumotan served as guest speaker and reflected on the evolution of media from traditional tri-media to contemporary mass media platforms. Paglumotan, a former anchorman at Bombo Radyo, expressed pride in fellow broadcasters who have transitioned to public service, specifically acknowledging Mayor Gasataya's achievements. He also recognized the dedication of media practitioners who continue serving the public despite occasional misunderstandings about their work.
Legislative Support for Radio Recognition
Paglumotan holds particular significance as the principal author of the Bacolod City ordinance that institutionalized the annual celebration of World Radio Day every February 13. This legislative measure enables the city to allocate support and funding for programs and activities that honor radio broadcasters and recognize the medium's crucial role in public information and community development.
Councilor Homer Bais, another former radio reporter, welcomed the broadcasting community and expressed appreciation to all participants in the 12th World Radio Day celebration, further emphasizing the strong connection between media backgrounds and public service roles within Bacolod's leadership.
Organizational Leadership and Award Categories
The program featured the induction and oath-taking of newly elected officers for the KBP-Negros Occidental Chapter, followed by the presentation of awards across multiple categories recognizing excellence in local broadcasting. The comprehensive awards program highlighted achievements in entertainment programming, radio drama, news and current affairs, technical support, and administrative management.
Prestigious Award Recipients
Notable awardees included Joy Quidato Pastoral of 1233 DYVS as Best Female Program Presenter for Entertainment and Renato "Boy" Duran of DYEZ Aksyon Radyo Bacolod as Best Male Program Presenter for Entertainment. In the entertainment program categories, Good Morning Philippines: Ehemplo! from DYWB Bombo Radyo Bacolod won Best Entertainment Program in the AM Category, while i Aga Na from 94.3 iFM Bacolod received the FM Category honor.
Radio drama excellence was recognized with Dabudabo: A Legacy of Hope Through Hiligaynon Storytelling from RMN DYHB Bacolod 747 winning Best Radio Drama in the AM Category and Dear iFM from 94.3 iFM Bacolod taking the FM Category award.
News and Technical Excellence
In news and current affairs, Straight to the Point: Bacolod's Morning Wake-Up Call from DYHB RMN Bacolod 747 received Best News Program in the AM Category, while Top of the Hour News – It's All for You in the Afternoon from Star FM Loose End won the FM Category. Individual honors included Wilma Sugaton of DYEZ Aksyon Radyo Bacolod as News Presenter of the Year, Yves Montecillo of DYHB RMN Bacolod 747 as Male News Presenter of the Year, Lourd John Diaz of DYEZ Aksyon Radyo Bacolod as Reporter of the Year, and Eric Magbanua of DYEZ Aksyon Radyo Bacolod as Anchorman of the Year.
Technical and administrative excellence was recognized with Julemer Perasol of DYKS 91.9 Love Radio Bacolod receiving the Broadcast Engineering award and Nona Magbanua of DYEZ Aksyon Radyo Bacolod honored for Administrative and Management contributions.
Lifetime Achievement and New Recognition
The prestigious Icon of Radio Award for lifetime achievement was presented to Jose Francisco Muñoz of DYKS 91.9 Love Radio Bacolod, celebrating his enduring contributions to the broadcasting industry.
The evening concluded with the introduction of a groundbreaking new recognition by the KBP Negros Occidental Chapter – the Order of Mic and Gavel (OMG) Award, unveiled by Dr. Joeny Bigay. This award represents the highest institutional recognition for former or active KBP members who have successfully transitioned from media to public service, emphasizing how journalistic values of truth, justice, and fair play continue to guide leaders in government roles.
Dr. Bigay emphasized radio's resilience, stating that "no technology, digital platform, or manmade or natural calamities can diminish the power of radio and its relevance. Radio is the most resilient medium and the last medium standing, no matter what."
Pioneering OMG Award Recipients
The inaugural recipients of the Order of Mic and Gavel Award were Alex Paglumotan, Homer Bais, and Greg Gasataya – all honored for their distinguished careers in broadcasting and their continued public service through leadership roles in government and community development. This recognition symbolizes the powerful connection between media experience and effective public service, celebrating individuals who have successfully bridged these two vital sectors of society.
