With his countless groundbreaking firsts in public service and broadcasting practices in the Philippines, Kuya Daniel Razon was recently hailed the Outstanding Journalist and Public Servant in the 33rd Dangal ng Bayan Awards.

The Dangal ng Bayan Awards is a prestigious annual award-giving body that scouts and honors Filipinos who excels in various fields.

The award-giving body especially cited Kuya Daniel’s Tulong Muna Bago Balita and the recently-launched Rescue Cab: Tulong Muna Bago Pasada. Both, which are heralded firsts in the country, brought radical changes in the established news reporting and drive-for-a-living practices by incorporating rescue response.

Since its launch in 2010 through UNTV, Tulong Muna Bago Balita has gotten so much attention from the public due to its innovative and idealistic goal. It especially stirred the interest of other media networks that one giant TV station has adopted the idea and built its own team of news and rescue in 2011.

The initiative prioritizes people’s safety and welfare first before getting and reporting news. Just like what Kuya Daniel keeps on saying, “Mas higit ang pagtulong sa ating kapwa kaysa sa pagkalap ng mga balita at paglalahad ng mga nakalap nating balita (Helping our fellowmen is more important than gathering and delivering our news).”

The accolade also gave merit to Kuya Daniel’s unique advocacy, the Kahit Isang Araw Lang, which covers almost every aspect of public service including education, community service, and medical assistance, to name a few. The two branches of La Verdad Christian College in Pampanga and Caloocan are two massive recipients of the advocacy.

This “Outstanding Journalist and Public Servant” award is an addition to Kuya Daniel’s previous recognition as the two-time Outstanding Individual for Community Service given by the Volunteers Against Crime and Corruption (VACC) last year.

Meanwhile, UNTV’s very own lifestyle and livelihood show, Bread n’ Butter, was also recognized an Outstanding Family-inspired Television Program.

(Words by Daryleene Evasco)