'Batibot' founder Lyca Benitez Brown dies at 74

Lyca Benitez Brown, the founder and executive producer of “Batibot,” has died at the age of 74.

On Facebook, the MiraNila Heritage House Events announced her passing, sharing that Brown, born Lydia Francisca "Lyca" Liboro Benitez in 1952, left behind a legacy that shaped generations of Filipino children through educational television.

Brown began her career in Philippine broadcasting as a scriptwriter and director before moving to New York in 1975 to study television production and editing.

In 1984, Brown founded and executive produced “Batibot,” a homegrown educational program that introduced Filipino children to learning through songs, stories, games, and puppet characters inspired by local culture.

Under her leadership, “Batibot” became one of the country's most beloved children's shows, earning local and international recognition while leaving a lasting impact on early childhood education and Philippine television.

Brown was recognized as a Ten Outstanding Women in the Nation's Service (TOWNS) awardee in 1989 for her contributions through “Batibot.”

The Philippine Women's University (PWU), where Brown was an alumna from the JMD Class of 1969, also paid tribute to her following her passing.

In a Facebook post, the university remembered Brown for her years of service as a former member of the PWU Board of Trustees and for holding several key leadership positions, including director of Alumni Relations, the Multimedia Center, and the Communication Arts Center, as well as officer-in-charge for Admission and Marketing.

“Her leadership, mentorship, and dedication left a lasting legacy of compassion, creativity, and service to PWU and its alumni,” PWU said.

—Carby Rose Basina/JCB, GMA News