GMA strengthens reach in Ilocos, Bicol regions

MANILA, Philippines - Broadcast company GMA Network is strengthening its reach nationwide with the addition of two originating stations middle of this year.

GMA Ilocos, which will go on air on June 18, will be seen via Channel 5 in Ilocos Norte and Channel 48 in Ilocos Sur and parts of Abra, servicing an estimated 208,110 households.

The Kapuso network will also widen its reach in the Bicol region. GMA Naga is currently being seen via Channel 7 but beginning August, GMA Bicol will be seen in other areas of Legazpi, Albay, Camarines Sur, Catanduanes, Masbate and Sorsogon via GMA TV Channel 12, reaching out to an estimated 520,178 households.

GMA Network chairman and CEO Felipe Gozon said the competitive local programming of GMA Ilocos and GMA Bicol, spearheaded by local newscasts Balitang Ilokano and Balitang Bikolano, will respond to regional viewers’ need for credible news and information.

“The network is set on capturing the interest of our viewers from the different parts of the country by offering them programs that speak their native dialect. Through these programs, we are confident that we will be able to effectively reach more viewers and enable them to experience the Kapuso brand of Serbisyong Totoo,” he said.

“The launches of GMA Ilocos and Bicol stations are just part of the network’s efforts to further strengthen its nationwide dominance. With these stations, we are determined to prove to our viewers why we are considered No. 1 all over the country,” Gozon added.

Meanwhile, GMA Network president and COO Gilberto Duavit Jr., explained that the Ilocos and Bicol stations will be equipped with program production as well as microwave and satellite facilities. “Both of these stations are equipped with active news gathering systems capable of delivering live news coverage within the originating or neighboring provinces which can be aired locally or nationwide, he revealed.

“We are excited by the opportunity to share more of our programs, both national and soon, local, with our valued viewers in the Ilocos and Bicol regions and look forward to their making GMA a bigger part of their regular viewing time as we undertake to bring them only the best.”