PRESS RELEASE
For invaluable contributions to the Filipino community in New York 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 Assembly member Steven Raga.
In ceremonies at the New York State Assembly in Albany, New York, Assemblymember Raga lauded GMA International and Mr. Joseph T. Francia, GMA First Vice President and Head of International Operations, 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.”
Assembly member Raga, in turn, acknowledged Mr. Francia’s strong commitment to Global Pinoys.
“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.”
Mr. 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,” said Francia.
He added, "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!"
Joining Mr. Francia in receiving the proclamations were Arman David (President, Philippine Independence Day Council, Inc), Nora Galleros (Executive Director, Immediate Past President, PIDCI),Joyce Andres David (Vice President, PIDCI), Robert Dumaual (New York-based Community Advocate), and Mary Ann Kapunan (Leader, FilCom 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,” said Sol Jasper Kapunan, Founding President of Kalayaan 1521 Council Inc (a New York Non-profit Corporation). “
"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."
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.
About GMA Pinoy TV/GMA International
GMA Network is the Philippines’ leading broadcasting company, while its overseas arm, GMA International, provides premium Filipino content distributed across multiple platforms globally. GMA International offers a diverse selection of linear and on-demand programming designed to serve the needs of the global Filipino audience.
GMA Network’s flagship international channel, GMA Pinoy TV, delivers exceptional Filipino entertainment and news programming since its inception in 2005.
GMA Life TV, on the other hand, was launched in 2008 and delivers a diverse range of program genres that include lifestyle, travel, food, health and beauty, talk and infotainment, blockbuster movies, and top-rated English-dubbed drama series, all available in English and Filipino.
Backed by the most trusted and multi-awarded Philippine news and public affairs teams, GMA News TV has been providing global Filipinos with the latest, most comprehensive, and most credible news from the Philippines since 2011.
GMA On Demand is the go-to source for the most premium content from GMA with its unparalleled selection of catch-up, subscription, and transactional VOD content.
About Assembly member Steven Raga
Steven Raga is an American politician and academic serving as a member of the New York State Assembly for the 30th district. Raga is the first Filipino American elected to office in the state of New York. Elected in November 2022, he assumed office on January 1, 2023.
Raga was born and raised in the borough of Queens in New York City. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in political science and Master of Public Policy from Stony Brook University, a Master of Business Administration from the Samuel Curtis Johnson Graduate School of Management at Cornell University, a Master of Science in healthcare management from the Weill Cornell Graduate School of Medical Sciences, and a Master of Public Administration from Baruch College.
From 2005 to 2007, Raga worked as the national director of the Filipino Intercollegiate Networking Dialogue.
From 2009 to 2011, he worked as a program fellow and legal research assistant at Cornell Law School. Raga was also the founder and director of the Pilipino American Unity for Progress. In 2012 and 2013, he was a program researcher at the Fordham University School of Law.
From 2014 to 2017, he worked as an advisor and strategist at the AARP. Raga served as chief of staff for Assemblymember Brian Barnwell and was the Northeast regional manager of Susan G. Komen for the Cure in 2020 and 2021.
Since 2022, he has been an associate instructor at Columbia University. Raga was elected to the New York State Assembly in November 2022.