Legazpi City has marked a significant milestone with the launch of a new People’s Television Network Inc. (PTV) station, celebrated by Mayor Alfredo Garbin Jr. and PTV General Manager Antonio Nebrida Jr. on December 16, 2014. The station, located in Barangay Estanza, aims to enhance the flow of accurate information about the presidency and the Marcos administration to the residents of Albay province.
Nebrida emphasized the station’s role as a reliable conduit for President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s initiatives, ensuring the public receives trustworthy updates directly from the national government. He envisions PTV Legazpi as a leading training hub for aspiring broadcasters, journalists, and technical experts, eliminating the need for local talents to seek opportunities outside the region.
The station’s establishment is seen as a commitment to combating fake news and speculative information by providing direct governmental updates. Nebrida also highlighted PTV’s progressive approach, aiming to foster new partnerships and collaborations to produce content tailored to the local community’s needs.
Engineer Gil Orense, PTNI’s chief digital and innovative officer, described the station as more than just a broadcasting facility; it’s a platform for connection, empowerment, and progress. The launch signifies PTV’s dedication to extending public service broadcasting throughout the nation, amplifying local stories, culture, and achievements.
The PTV Legazpi project, valued at PHP34.5 million, includes a TV broadcast tower and transmitter building, initially equipped with a 600-watt digital terrestrial television broadcasting transmitter, with plans to upgrade to a 1-kilowatt system. This development is a testament to PTV’s mission of bringing the government closer to the people, as acknowledged by Mayor Garbin, who sees the station as a vital tool for delivering essential news, empowering citizens, and promoting transparency in governance.
Nebrida expressed gratitude to Misibis Land Inc. and the Ako Bicol Party-list for their support in this venture, highlighting the collaborative spirit behind the project. Since its inception in 1974, PTNI has been a premier source of government news and information, operating under the guidelines of Republic Acts 7306 and 10390.