As learning tool: Upgrade of gov’t TV station sought

REQUEST. Gov. Al Francis Bichara (right) and Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Martin Andanar during the Laging Handa network briefing on Sept. 18, 2020. (Screenshot from Radyo Pilipinas live broadcast)

LEGAZPI CITY --- Albay Governor Al Francis Bichara on Friday, Sept. 18, has requested for the upgrading of the People’s Television Network (PTV) station in the province, to be used as a tool for students’ distance learning this coming school year.

Bichara made the request to Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Martin Andanar during the Laging Handa network briefing recently.

“We have to upgrade, sana magagamit na ito ng mga estudyante (we are hoping it can be used by the students),” he said.

Bichara said before ABS-CBN’s closure, it was the only accessible TV station in Albay. “And now everyone is depending on cable TV, we don’t have open broadcasting. With the resources from the government, we can use this (PTV station) for those at the remote areas they can have access and receptions for the special modules of the students,” he said.

The governor added that “we need to upgrade the communication system in the country” especially during this time of coronavirus disease (Covid-19) pandemic.

Bichara said the public “must trust the government and be strong. Listen to them, obey the guidelines”, to prevent the spread of Covid-19.

He also expressed his support to the PCOO particularly in lobbying for the allocation of a bigger budget.

“I would talk to the other governors to support you, para ma-modernize na natin to. Para mapakinabangan ng tao especially during typhoons para alam nila kung saan kukuha ng information and updates (So we can modernize PTV so it can help the public especially during typhoons, so they will know where to get information and updates),” Bichara told Andanar.

Andanar assured that he will immediately relay the request of the Albay governor to PTV General Manager Katherine de Castro. (PNA)