2013
i n spi ri n g cha nge, bu i l di n g better com m u n i t ies. a u n t v co m pa n y p r o f i l e
c o m p a n y
2013
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U NT V Pu b l i c S e r v i c e
UNTV: Inspiring Change, Building Better Communities
yo u r p u b l i c s e rv i c e c h a n n e l
At its onset, television was meant to communicate. At some point, though, it was used merely to address the need for emerging forms of entertainment to spread out to a wider audience. Television’s income-generating capacity has eventually been discovered and since then, stations ran according to this tenet: TV for profit. Locally, over the years, there came (and went) programs of a more utilitarian nature where societal concerns were addressed. It was within this scene, like a shot from the dark, that UNTV emerged — its unique feature being that of an entire station catering solely and actively to public service. Recognized now by many as being borne out of its
famous theistic mission, UNTV and its many projects benefited all, without discrimination, and remarkably were pioneering acts. Lack of funding did nothing to deter its vision of getting the message across, against adversity. On its 9th year, UNTV takes service yet a notch further — this time, as a dynamic force for change. Within this mechanism of growth, it aims to move forward up higher, not only for itself as a communication system, but for influencing others. After all, even as it extends its reach meaningfully into more complex community base, UNTV still remains faithful to its calling. In sum, helping one’s fellowmen should not be mere entertainment, as the cost of saving lives is priceless.
It ’ s n o t h o w it look s, it’s how it helps.
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U NT V Pu b l i c S e r v i c e
News & Rescue July 18, 2010. During the past 6th year anniversary at the World Trade Center in Pasay City, UNTV CEO Daniel Razon galvanized the audience with a thought-provoking scenario: what if, in the rush to acquire news, a journalist unwittingly becomes instrumental in the death of an individual in distress? It was the start of a never-before-thought-of approach taglined “Tulong Muna Bago Balita” (Rescue First Before News). So he advocated the unconventional procedure of prioritizing aid for victims of accidents and crimes reported by the news group. They threw the team into a rigorous Emergency Response Training (ERT) course under different reputable rescue organizations such as the Philippine Red Cross, SARUF and Philippine Army. Rescue became a ‘round-the-clock’ operation. December 31, 2010. The station’s New Year Special live from 9pm to 5am the next day was entitled “Panibagong
Taon ng Pagkakawanggawa, Panibagong Taon ng Pagbabalita” (New Year of Action, New Year of Reporting). Viewers were greeted with the ceremonial launch of the UNTV News and Rescue Command Center. It deployed rescue mobile units responding to firecracker accidents and situations needing assistance. These dates prove UNTV’s pioneering act and goal: from simply being a headline churning team into a force to be reckoned with — on the field where they work for the greater cause. It came a long way, and as the current year brings in new exciting changes, it will continue its mission — with more state-of-the-art equipment, communications and transportation (including an amphibious vehicle that can traverse land and water). Defying the norm, as ‘Kuya’ Daniel indeed says, is to change for the better and improve from the old.
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U NT V Pu b l i c S e r v i c e
Free Education The norm for ‘Free Education’ is that a select few have to pass through a fine-tooth comb to be able to get in a list, and that extremely high grades are an absolute must. Now, how about this — one’s tuition from beginning to end considered paid, no miscellaneous fees. Free books and other instructional materials. Free uniform. Free lunch. Even a daily meal at school is free. Sounds like utopia. This brand of free education is true to La Verdad. It is the Philippines’ first private college that grants full scholarship to students deemed deserving more for their enthusiasm to study and their commitment to finish a course. From a single kindergarten to high school campus circa 2009 in Pampanga, La Verdad Christian College (LVCC) has grown into a unique college. In 2010, a new branch opened at Caloocan — the beneficiary campus that inspired high profile events such as the record breaking ‘Takbo Para sa Libreng Kolehiyo’ at SM Mall of Asia and PBA
Legends vs. Hoopsters at Araneta Coliseum. Then in 2012, La Verdad extended to Africa, where two other branches were established in Ghana and Liberia. Free education to La Verdad does not end there; it also went on the road. The actualization of the DunongGulong (Wisdom on Wheels) Mobile Classroom was a project in cooperation with DepEd that even Secretary Armin Luistro was proud of. Unlike the mere playing of CD’s alone in other alternative learning systems (ALS), volunteer teachers utilize a variety of modern methods such as teaching through plasma TV, projector books and the latest in instructional media. Manibela Academy, on the other hand, was bolstered by the popular show to go beyond theoretical to hands-on training to upgrade the skills of PUV drivers. This includes automotive and mechanical repair (as well as road safety) as well as TESDA-accredited livelihood courses such as basic massage therapy and haircutting.
I t ’ s n o t h o w it s hin es, it’s how sm oothly it r un s .
It ’ s n ot how d iff ere nt they are, it ’ s h o w they m esh together.
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U NT V Pu b l i c S e r v i c e
Free Legal Services & Medical Mission Free Legal Services. The audience have been served teledramas for years, that watching courtroom scenes in the comfort of their homes is a pastime for some. Real life legal dilemmas, however, are nothing to laugh about, especially for the marginalized and the maligned. The ‘Law Center ni Kuya Daniel’ coordinated and formalized by Daniel Razon is no stranger to this reality. This program is manned by conscientious lawyers who volunteered their service In response to the program, people came in droves as even old cold cases were re-opened, and small cases were solved in time. As some non-profit organizations offer some form of legal consultation, the Law Center goes the extra mile, striving to fully assist in the entire aspect of a case from the first meeting until the verdict is read. Shows dealing with legal matters are also a staple on UNTV and on radio AM1350, such as ‘Law Profile,’ which aims to elucidate the language of law to the public. Huntahan, a commentary program discussing social issues, offshooted a radio segment called “Huntahang Ligal” on the AM airwaves. It went beyond the confines of the studio. In fact, it now travels to give free consultation to various barangays in the metro area on appointed days, transported by the Radio Mobile Booth (deemed as the first in the Philippines). Up until this moment, the initiative constantly works day in and day out to find new and efficient ways to solve legal problems, as the numbers increase daily. All the work will pay off, if they could help absolve at least one innocent person from going into perdition.
Medical Mission. Optimum health and well-being is normally part and parcel of one’s list of priorities in life; but there is a sad reality. Around 28 in every 100 Filipinos were reported to be living below the poverty line, and those numbers remained unchanged for the past six consecutive years. It is no surprise then that, in a pinch, a poor person will choose to buy food before medicine. With the considerable support and manpower assistance provided by the program “Ang Dating Daan” has made it possible for the mission’s scope and sweep to go nationwide. Mobile Clinics are dispatched even to the remotest areas, especially after calamities. On- or off- air, ‘Clinic ni Kuya’ and its volunteer physicians, specialists and staff services attend to more than a thousand indigents daily, regardless of age, race or creed. The fact remains that nowhere in the country can one find a cycle of consultation and treatment as complete as UNTV’s and yet totally without payment. Most (if not all) medical and related services strictly being charged by other hospitals — such as laboratory procedures, dialysis and even use of the ambulance, as well as medicines — is free in this clinic. As humble as the entire setup sounds, behind the scenes, it is not. UNTV is not lagging behind in monitoring technological breakthroughs in the field of medicine. The doctors are quick to apply what they can to good use — in the hopes of alleviating even just a single soul’s suffering when they need it the most.
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U NT V Pu b l i c S e r v i c e
Munting Pangarap & Free Ride “Munting Pangarap” (Simple Wish) is one apt example of a genuine charity cause at work at UNTV. Once only a short segment within the Station’s morning show, it has earned a slot of its own because, from the beginning, it left teary eyes and aching hearts in its wake. It presented an authentic look into the stark reality of being destitute and in need — however, ending on a note of hope as kindhearted benefactors contribute into making their wishes come true. The show has since then evolved into featuring the side of the story that ‘pays forward’ — where those who succeed give in return to a fellow in need for them to earn their own keep. It has gone as far as joining up with TESDA (Technical Education and Skills Development Authority) to ensure the long-term sustainability of the recipients’ ventures. As UNTV ushers into a much more modern era, amidst advancement in knowledge and industry, ‘Munting Pangarap’ proves its relevance still. In its simplicity, it teaches and sets the standard of what true success in life means — to be an instrument that compels others to grow and change by starting with one’s own self.
Free Ride. With the country’s current situation, where inflation of energy prices has not stopped, the Free Ride service of UNTV serves as a reminder that there is always a helping hand in the midst of crisis.
When the onslaught of alarming world events such as the Gulf War and the Financial Crisis began, fluctuating oil and crude prices became a huge problem, and the country was not exempted from ‘feeling the heat.’ Zooming in on the local scene, the economy was shaken and ripples were felt by everyone from the highest government official to the smallest man on the street. The moment that Libreng Sakay (Free Ride) was implemented — an air-conditioned passenger bus plying EDSA’s north and southbound ends — and introduced on-air, it struck a sympathetic chord with the daily commuters who found it a welcome treat, even amidst initial suspicions about the station’s intention. Is it truly free, they asked. That was in 2007 and back then, naysayers shook their heads and some even jeered, ‘Give it a year.’ Six years later: not only is it still going on strong, two more buses were added, and the initiative has taken on a wider scale. It expanded into neighboring provincial areas, and onto some regions of Visayas and Mindanao — also adding more modes of transportation such as the jeepney, tricycle and boat. Additionally, in the metro, tickets are given out to senior citizens who use the MRT (Metropolitan Railway Transit). Word came out awhile that stations bigger than UNTV paid attention to the idea and enacted their own programs of rendering free rides — to which UNTV was pleased, agreeing that “the more, the merrier” as more people will benefit from it.
in s p i r in g c h a n g e , bui l d in g b e tt e r c o m m uniti e s .
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