DAVAO CITY, Philippines — Mindanao will soon have a state-of-the art, government-owned media hub as Special Assistant to the President Christopher “Bong” Go and PCOO Secretary Martin Andanar led the groundbreaking ceremony of the P700 million Mindanao Media Hub along Carlos P. Garcia Highway in Davao City.
In an interview, Andanar said the facility will serve as the government’s main broadcast hub in Regions 10 to 13, delivering tailored and content specific to the public and boosting clear signal in the areas of coverage.
The hub will house the People’s Television, Radyo Pilipinas, News and Information Bureau, Philippine News Agency, the Philippine Information Agency, National Printing Office, Apo Production Unit and other attached agencies under the PCOO.
“Lahat po ng mga taga-Mindanao na matagal nang pinapangarap na magkaroon ng isang state-of-the-art facility na pagmamay-ari ng gobyerno, ito na po ‘yun (This will be the fulfilment of the people of Mindanao who dream for a state-of-the-art facility owned by the government),” Andanar said.
The project will be completed by the first quarter of next year and become operational during the second or third quarter of 2019. “Very exciting ito lalong-lalo na sa mga media practitioners at ‘yung mga nagnanais na maging media practitioner sa hinaharap (This is very exciting especially to the media practitioners and those who want to be in the future),” he added.
In his message, Go said that the construction of a media hub will be the first in the country to have the radio, TV, print, wire service, intra-personal communication, online and new media under one group.
“It is timely that we have finally decided to build a new hub here in Davao, particularly in Mindanao,” Go said in his message during the hard hat ceremony.
Go pointed out that the expansion and improvement of state-run media agencies by the PCOO is a testament to President Rodrigo Duterte’s commitment to serve the Filipino people better especially the Mindanaoans.
“We will now have a full and rightful information and coverage we deserve,” he said. He bared that the public can use the Mindanao Media Hub to tell government their needs, as well as report any wrongdoings and complaints against government officials.
“This two-way exchange between the government and the people will hasten our efforts in nation building,” he said. Go recognized media’s role in disseminating information and keeping the public informed.
“Press freedom plays a vital role in creating an informed and enlightened citizenry by providing individuals with a chance to gain and impart knowledge. You’ve helped foster public discourse and bring meaningful and lasting change in our society,” he said. Go reminded that media entities are tasked to counter fake news and disinformation.
“We lack credible and reliable news sources in many different parts of our country while mainstream media have chosen to focus their coverage in Metro Manila and other large cities,” he said.
He also asked the PCOO to remain steadfast in its mandate to inform and serve the people. “I also ask our fellow Filipinos to keep supporting and keep patronizing our own — very own stations and news outlets,” he said.-Armand B. Fenequito
