In a press conference held in the GMA Network Center Boardroom last August 22, GMA Chairman and CEO Atty. Felipe L. Gozon shared to the media his thoughts on the recent opening of the Ilocos and Bicol station. “It is our hope that you will continue to give us your support as we continue our public service and reach nationwide,” says Gozon.

 

When asked why the network chose these particular regions as the site of the new originating stations, this is what Atty. Gozon had to say. “I think we are already somewhat strong in Ilocos, but we just want to be stronger. In Bicol, we are catching up. As you know, Luzon comprises 77% of the total TV household in the Philippines. So if we become very strong in our ratings in Luzon, then our position as Number 1 will become very, very stable as we try to strengthen our ratings in the Visayas and Mindanao.”

 

Also present in the press conference was Vice President for Regional TV Rikki O. Escudero who reported on the status of the network’s regional expansion. “The gross sales performance of the Regional TV of GMA has grown steadily from the time that management decided to embark on regional expansion, which was back in 2005 to 2006. This is despite the fact that there have been local programs produced, there is a manpower count that needs to be sustained. We feed 30 to 40 heads per station. We have been very happy that our regional expansion can be supported also by our local economies,” shares Escudero.

 

GMA President and COO Gilberto R. Duavit, Jr. also gave an update on the projects in Visayas and Mindanao. “We have very recently commissioned two additional transmitter sites in the Visayas and Mindanao area. One on Mt. Kanlandog in Negros Island, and the other, a significantly upgraded transmitter facility in Mt. Kitanglad which covers a significant area in Northern Mindanao. These two sites are intended to reach a significant number of incremental or additional households particularly in the rural areas,” Duavit explains.

 

He also announced GMA Network’s future plans regarding more originating stations. “There are two possible additional originating stations that are contemplated. One in the Mindanao area, and another in the Luzon area. These two sites have already passed the preliminary criteria so they are now being subjected to the second set of criteria of analysis.”

 

Atty. Gozon also mentioned that the network is likewise expanding the reach of the Kapuso Foundation. “It is not only in Cebu where we have a branch of the foundation. We are opening in Davao, another one in Iloilo, in Dagupan. And as we go along, we will be able to provide the service of the foundation in other parts. As you know, the whole country is exposed or vulnerable to disasters and calamities.”

 

Despite the rumors of a change in ownership, Atty. Gozon explained why GMA-7 continues to expand its reach to other provinces. “If you were in our place and you are not sure that the deal will push through, are you not going to do the same? Because every delay will adversely affect our company. And why make the future dependent on the buyer? We have to make our decision here whether the deal pushes through or not. Besides, if the deal pushes through, then the buyer will get the benefit. That makes the company more valuable, and we don’t mind if the buyer benefits from what we are doing. “

 

“It [the deal] should not stop us from improving the chances of the company to make more money and improve its rating, because anyone that will own the company and control it later will benefit from what we are doing right now. And time is something that you cannot squander, you have to make full use of the time, otherwise it’s gone,” he added. - Michelle Caligan, GMANetwork.com