Capitol TV stops operation

CEBU, Philippines - The television program of the Cebu Provincial Government has stopped operating since last week.

This was revealed by Provincial Information Officer (PIO) Ethel Natera to The Freeman, who said that they have decided to halt the operations of Cebu TV, formerly Sugbo TV.

Natera explained that she recommended to Governor Hilario Davide III to discontinue the operations of Cebu TV since they have to re-evaluate the program and the contents of the government-run news agency.

In a previous interview, Davide said he was just waiting for the recommendation of Natera on the Cebu TV operations.

Yesterday, Natera said that primarily, they have to redirect the contents of the TV show if they would choose to push through with it. She added that it should be with the thrust of Davide that the program should promote Cebu and the programs of the Provincial government and local government units.

“Secondly, if I have to improve the program it means mogasto gyud kay I have to put in more equipment and people,” said Natera. “Knowing the finances of the Capitol, we cannot afford it now.”

Further, Natera said that the contract for Cebu TV has also ended last March.

But even with the TV program not functioning anymore, Natera said there are still a lot of ways to provide news to the public. “I think ma achieve raman gihapon ang purpose of information dissemination.”

She said that the mainstream media is always updated on the news of the Provincial Capitol, plus they will make use of social media like Youtube and social networking sites like Facebook.

“We have the facilities now which we did not have way back. Mao lang na ako i-enhance karon,” said Natera, adding that  the Cebu Monthly, formerly Sugbo News and the official newsletter of the Provincial Government, will still be operational.

Some of the employees under Cebu TV, like the cameraman and writer, will be retained wherein their output will come out in social media sites of the Provincial Capitol. Other personnel will be transferred to other departments, while some will not be renewed, she added, explaining that most of the PIO’s staff are casual employees.

In December last year, then acting governor Agnes Magpale ordered to shutdown Sugbo TV and Sugbo News due to their high-operational cost. —(FREEMAN)