GMA Network’s regional arm, GMA Regional TV (RTV), officially launches its pioneering unified Hiligaynon newscast through a series of activities in Western Visayas in Iloilo City and Bacolod City last August 24 and 25, respectively.

One Western Visayas will deliver comprehensive and in-depth delivery of news and information in Western Visayas—all tailored fit to the needs and demands of the local TV audience.

Last Friday, August 24, GMA Regional TV held a special dinner with valued GMA Iloilo partners and advertisers at Grand Xing Hotel in Iloilo City.?

One Western Visayas joins GMA RTV's roster of award-winning and top-rating regional programs, namely Balitang Amianan in North Central Luzon, Balitang Bisdak in Central and Eastern Visayas, and One Mindanao in Mindanao.

GMA Regional TV Officer and managers, One Western Visayas teams, and guests came in their floral outfits. Like a blooming flower, One Western Visayas will offer news that are fresh, visually attractive, but at the same time, substantial and innovative. These are the stories that inform and inspire a younger generation of viewers.

The next day, Saturday, August 25, a blessing of the newly-renovated GMA Bacolod Station took place.

It was followed by the unveiling of the One Western Visayas billboard at the GMA Bacolod station.

?Later that night, GMA Regional TV had a special dinner with advertisers and partners, which officially launched One Western Visayas, in Bacolod.

The said dinner was attended by GMA Regional TV’s Leadership Team led by its Vice President and Head Oli Amoroso and the Station Managers Jonathan Balingit of GMA Central and Northern Luzon, Ann Marie Tan of GMA Central and Eastern Visayas, Mariles Puentevella of GMA Southern Mindanao, Karla Canlas of GMA Bicol and Armi Sobremisana of GMA Northern Mindanao.

Meanwhile on Sunday, August 26, exactly a day before the pilot airing of One Western Visayas, an office blessing ceremony was conducted at GMA Iloilo Station, succeeded by the unveiling of the One Western Visayas billboard at Jaro in Iloilo City.

Main anchor Atty. Sedfrey Cabaluna shared an interesting story on how it started for him to be part of One Western Visayas, "My most memorable experience is when an unfortunate incident paved the way for me to be part of One Western Visayas. I was representing DOT Region 6 in the 2017 Panaad sa Negros and upon heading back to the hotel, my roommate locked me out of my room. I went back to the front desk to ask for a copy of the key card. When I headed back to the elevator it was just at the same time as GMA Iloilo Station Manager Jonathan Cabillon. There in that ride up a few floors of the hotel began our conversation about me being part of GMA Regional TV. A few weeks later, I was already met by the Vice President of Head of GMA Regional TV Oli Amoroso in Iloilo City.’

When asked how he prepared for the newscast, Atty. Cabaluna replied, "I prepared by observing the style of delivery of GMA anchors. I did this by viewing national news and checking previous episodes over the internet. Then in the process I would create my own style. I observe playback of our mock airings to see where I could further improve and gathered constructive criticisms from my colleagues."

Co-anchor Kaitlene Rivilla shared, "There are a lot of experiences which I consider unforgettable. Firstly, from the immediate invitation that I got to apply as News Co-Anchor, which makes me more challenged from the fact that all applicants are really qualified for the job. Secondly, the numerous shoots we had only for seconder videos- still everything was worth it even when the weather is not really cooperating that time. Thirdly, a huge appreciation that I got from my family, loved ones and friends. These moments are irreplaceable and will always be in my heart. I have pondered how I shared this happiness together with my family and to the people who supports and I have thought of it that nothing indeed, is more than enough of having a feeling to be able to reach a hand, to influence the people and to make a difference. I am preparing for One Western Visayas in such a way of having a mindset of a journalist which is by serving the community, never in doubt extending a hand, informing people with facts and making actions for the betterment of the community. The preparation that really helped me all the way is by praying. I am equipped of thoughts that God has made me His instrument to influence and serve the people."

Bacolod-based co-anchor Adrian Prietos explained, "One Western Visayas taught me how to deliver what matters and do things with passion and a heart to serve. Our trainings went beyond the four walls and opened us to the struggles, realities and the fulfillment we will experience every single day as a journalist. Our exposure proved as a quality learning experience that allowed us to carry on the Kapuso way of doing things wholeheartedly." 

One Western Visayas correspondent Darylle Sarmiento reminisced, "Right there and then I knew it was going to be something worth remembering for the rest of my life with. It was a dream come true for the 8-year old kid me, to be honest. I guess it's safe to say that I found something worth doing, it's never an easy task to be a broadcast journalist especially for something really huge something that will unify the whole Region 6. I'll definitely be hoping for the best. I've got a long way to go, and I'll make sure I will never give up, and if there are the days that'll somehow test the warrior in me, let it be known to the rest of the world that I'll never quit in the name of Serbisyong Totoo, at para sa bayan. Will strive harder than ever, to gather and deliver news that are worth knowing by the public.

Correspondent Zeny Quilantang stated, "My most memorable experience is when we went to GMA Cebu for training. I enjoyed the time spent with the Balitang Bisdak and GMA Regional TV Cebu team. We get to see them on how they gather news, finding the right person to be interviewed, and how to overcome the pressure during live reporting. I learned to find stories that are inspiring and useful for the viewers, just like the story of a woman in Lapu-Lapu City. She started from a small eatery but because of her dedication and hard work she was able to expand her business. What I like most in newsgathering is hearing about the life of ordinary people who have been in the most difficult times yet they succeed."

She continued, "Since the first day of training I tried my best to make sure that I am doing my job well. I established my own sources. I called and messaged them one by one and reintroduce myself once again. I am preparing myself for this big project."

As GMA Regional TV Vice President and Head Oli Amoroso shared, "Staying true to our battle cry, local news matters, we are committed to providing a newscast that is attuned to the stories, voices, and viewership of Region 6 – Western Visayas."

One Western Visayas airs Mondays to Fridays, 5PM on GMA TV-6 Iloilo with simultaneous broadcast on GMA TV-6 Guimaras and via satellite on GMA TV-13 Bacolod, TV-10 Sipalay, TV-5 Roxas, TV-2 Kalibo, and TV-7 Tablas.