Presidential daughter and Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte on Thursday led the inauguration of the government’s state-of-the-art broadcast facility Mindanao Media Hub.
It aims to serve Mindanaoans and expand the reach of government media down south.
The 5-storey building houses different government communication agencies such as the PCOO’s satellite office in Davao City, People’s Television (PTV) Network, Philippine News Agency (PNA), Philippine Information Agency (PIA), APO Production Unit, Inc., Radyo Pilipinas, and the Presidential Broadcast Staff – Radio Television Malacañang (PBS-RTVM).
In her speech, Mayor Duterte highlighted the important role of state-run media outlets in delivering news and information to the public on a regular and steady basis.
“With this Mindanao Media Hub, there will be easier coordination in sharing correct and verifiable data across government media offices, and this is vital because now more than ever, in this time of global crisis, information saves lives,” the local official underscored.
Through video conferencing, PCOO Secretary Martin Andanar also graced the event, where he announced a good news to the people in Visayas.
“There are likewise several other media facilities presently under construction in strategic regions. [Other] media hubs will be completed within the timeline of this administration. Soon to rise is the Visayas Media Hub in Cebu,” he announced.
In the program, a recorded video message of President Rodrigo Duterte was also shown where he pointed out the vital role of a free press and a vibrant democracy in society.
“As you celebrate this momentous occasion, may you as government media continue to keep our people empowered through unbiased, truthful, and credible reportage,” the chief executive enjoined.
December last year, the Mindanao Media Hub had its soft launch, with the airing of its first TV broadcast featuring the Laging Handa public briefing with Secretary Andanar as host, and Senator Christopher “Bong” Go and Department of Budget and Management (DBM) Secretary Wendel Avisado as guests. – Mela Lesmoras
