DAVAO CITY – The Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) on Thursday, May 3, launched a media hub which aims to strengthen its communication services in Mindanao.
The launching of the Mindanao Media Hub was led by PCOO Secretary Martin Andanar along with Special Assistant to the President Christopher “Bong” Go, who delivered a message during the event.
“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.
“This will be the first time in our country that radio, TV, print, wire service, intra-personal communication, online, and new media be under one group,” he added.
Go stressed 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 noted that the public can use the Mindanao Media Hub to tell government their needs, and 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.
“Sa wakas, mabibigyan na rin nang kaukulang pansin ang mga hinaing at kinakailangan ng ating kapwa Pilipino sa dakong ito ng bansa. Mas mapagpabuti na rin ang pagpapaabot ng information at serbisyo para sa ating mga mamamayang taga-Mindanao,” he added.
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 mediamen are tasked to counter fake news and online spread of 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.
The Secretary then 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.
Meanwhile, in an interview with Andanar, he said the Mindanao Media Hub was a “historic project” noting that it was launched in conjunction with the World Press Freedom Day.
It will serve as the government’s main broadcast hub in Regions 10 to 13, delivering tailored content specific to its people and boosting signal in the areas of coverage.
The facility 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,” Andanar said.
“Very exciting ito lalong-lalo na sa mga media practitioners at ‘yung mga nagnanais na maging media practitioner sa hinaharap,” he added.
The project, which costs about P400 million, is expected to be completed by the first quarter of next year and become operational during the second or third quarter of 2019, according to Andanar.
