By Brian Jules Campued
At least 196 contract-of-service (COS) and regular employees were awarded for their decades of public service, coinciding with the 50th founding anniversary celebration of the People’s Television Network (PTV) in Novotel, Araneta City, Quezon City on Thursday.
Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Sec. Cheloy Velicaria-Garafil and PTV General Manager Antonio Baltazar Nebrida Jr. lauded the loyal employees for having rendered loyal service to the people, noting that “their contributions are the lifeblood” of the Network.
“Nagpapasalamat ako sa inyo dahil isa kayo sa sumusuporta at tumutulong sa PCO leadership upang maipalaganap natin ang mga anunsyo at pahayag ng ating Pangulong Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. at maging ang iba’t ibang programa at inisyatibo ng ating pamahalaan para sa kapakanan ng mga mamamayang Pilipino,” Sec. Garafil said in a speech.
GM Nebrida, for his part, took the occasion to celebrate the triumphs of public servants who showed professionalism with their commitment to “informing, educating, motivating, and inspiring” the Filipino people.
“The men and women we shall be honoring today are not just veterans of those changes; they are heroes who have selflessly weathered the challenges and prospered in their careers with the Network, your People’s Network,” the newly appointed Network General Manager said.
For Sulita Arada, who has been in service with the News Division for 42 years, it was a proud and heartwarming moment to be recognized for her more than four decades of selfless toil.
“Ang saya-saya kasi, after 42 years sa Channel 4, nare-recognize at naa-appreciate ‘yong mga trabaho namin. Nakakatuwa,” Arada said.
Monetta Nigos, even after 38 years in service under the Finance Division, said she is not thinking of retiring early.
“I’ve always considered this to be my second home kasi everyone is like family. And I’m not even thinking of retiring early because my work is not work at all. I love my work,” Nigos said.
Maria Elena Igharas — 37 years in service, also under the News Division — said that her three decades of public service were given meaning and value through the recognition.
“Bilang lingkod bayan, sabi nga ng tagline natin: ‘Para sa Bayan”… nagkaroon ng halaga, nagkaroon ng saysay ang mahigit tatlong dekadang paglilingkod para sa bayan,” Igharas said.
Working for more than 20 years under the Public Affairs Division as a COS employee, Frederick Aquino also considers PTV as his second home.
“Half of my life, inilaan ko talaga sa PTV. Mananatili ako sa PTV hangga’t kaya ko,” Aquino said.
Meanwhile, Garafil also congratulated the Network for being steadfast in its mandate of promoting nationalism among Filipinos and embodying core values, such as integrity and accountability.
“For half a century, PTV has been a beacon of reliable information, a source of educational content, a platform for public discourse, and a partner in effectively communicating the Philippine government’s initiatives, programs, and projects,” she said.
“The future of PTV is bright and well,” the Communications Chief added.
PTNI Chairperson Maribel Sibayan thanked the members of the board and their predecessors for their contributions to the Network’s accomplishments. She also cited the dedication of veteran broadcasters as well as the technical and non-technical staff.
“Ang ating mga empleyado at mga naging empleyado ang bumubuo ng puso at kaluluwa ng PTV-4,” Chair Sibayan said.
To the new employees of PTV, she expressed her excitement to see their contribution in the years to come as their addition to the Network will keep it innovative and forward-thinking.
Nebrida, likewise, highlighted the Network’s “storied and colorful history” of public service through its programs in news, public affairs, culture, sports, entertainment, and education which have become a testament to the PTV personnel’s collective strength and resilience amid constant change.
More than its rich history, PTV prides itself with its people, then and now, who took part in steering the ship to its golden milestone. That’s why Nebrida expressed his gratitude to the employees who serve at their desks, in the field, in disaster sites, overseas, and in the digital space; employees who, despite experiencing trying times, “perform best under pressure”.
“This network, your People’s Network, shines best and brightest in the face of adversity. It is a legacy the men and women before us carved from hard work, passion, and heart,” he said.
“It is an honor to serve alongside them; it is a privilege I will treasure my entire life to have been tasked to be their steward,” he added.
The general manager also vowed to address the welfare of PTV personnel so that they are able to do their jobs well.
PTV’s 50th anniversary celebration was also graced by Filipino singer-songwriters Jose Mari Chan and Ice Seguerra. (with reports from Arvin Santiago and Su Jin Kim)
– avds/iro