By Brian Campued
Continuing its mandate to amplify the government’s commitment to serving the people by reaching every corner of the nation, the People’s Television Network Inc. (PTNI) on Wednesday inaugurated its regional center in Marawi City, Lanao del Sur.
The PTV Marawi Regional Center will deliver timely and relevant news for and from Marawi City, the province of Lanao del Sur, as well as the whole Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), giving the people in the region a platform to be seen and heard.
“The President (Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.) is one with you in pushing for the development of Marawi. The establishment of this P49-million structure of PTV4 is a statement to that,” PTV General Manager Atty. Robert Doller said in a speech following the unveiling of the inaugural plaque and the ceremonial sign-on of the regional center.
For Lanao del Sur Gov. Mamintal ‘Bombit’ Alonto Adiong Jr., the inauguration of the PTV Marawi Regional Center is a recognition of the beauty and rich heritage of their province, the BARMM, and its people.
“Through this center, we now have the chance to share our narratives, our triumphs, our struggle, and our progress sa buong Pilipinas. Importante ito para mas mapalapit ang gobyerno sa mga tao at maiparating ang tamang impormasyon sa bawat sulok ng lalawigan,” the provincial governor said.
“With the help of PTV, our voice will be louder, our stories [will be] clearer, and our aspirations [will be] more visible to the nation,” he added.
Meanwhile, Vice Gov. Mohammad Khalid Raki-in Adiong stressed the role of PTV in helping to combat fake news about various government services and projects.
“With this na meron tayong PTV Regional Center dito sa Marawi City, maiiwasan na po natin ang fake news at makaka-deliver na tayo ng tamang serbisyo at information na dapat malaman ng ating mga kababayan,” the vice governor said.
The inauguration was also attended by Marawi City Mayor Majul Gandamra and Presidential Communications Office Assistant Secretary Allan Francisco.
The installation of a PTV station in Marawi City was proposed on Aug. 9, 2018 and was followed by a signing of an agreement between PTNI and the Provincial Government of Lanao del Sur. The construction of the PTV Marawi Regional Center began four years later on Oct. 14, 2022.
With the signing on of its newest regional center, PTV is one with the administration’s goal of bringing the government closer to its people.
-iro