CURRENT and former employees of ABS-CBN Davao and some personalities expressed their sadness on the regional network’s farewell after 31 years of public service.
ABS-CBN management previously announced that they will lay off workers in its businesses and subsidiaries effective August 31 following the non-renewal of its 25-year congressional franchise, which permanently shut down its television, radio, and digital services.
In separate statements, ABS-CBN also announced that all Regional Network Group (RNG) programs in 12 areas, including Davao, will have their final airing on August 28.
In ABS-CBN Davao, among the program affected by the shutdown are the Maayong Buntag Mindanao (MBM) and TV Patrol Southern Mindanao (SM), dxAB Radyo Patrol 1296, and dxRR MOR (My Only Radio) 101.1.
Following the issuance of the cease and desist order (CDO) from the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) which resulted in the broadcasting suspension of its TV and radio frequencies, ABS-CBN TV and dxAB started broadcasting their programs on Facebook and ABS-CBN website platforms.
However, because of the franchise denial, it resulted in retrenchments of all ABS-CBN regional employees.
”Sad Day, Friday”
ABS-CBN Davao news chief Francis Magbanua said he is saddened that they won't be able to serve Dabawenyos through their news and public programs following the franchise denial.
Magbanua, who also serves as executive producer for TV Patrol Southern Mindanao and host for MBM, shared how ABS-CBN Davao and its programs made history as being the longest-running and "most trusted" news programs not only within Davao Region, but for the entire Mindanao as well.
TV Patrol SM, formerly known as TV Patrol Mindanao and TV Patrol Davao, was launched on January 16, 1989, making it the first and oldest local news bulletin in Mindanao.
MBM, launched on September 6, 1993, is also the longest-running morning show in the Philippines as Magandang Umaga Po's first local morning show counterpart from ABS-CBN 2 Manila. The show would have been celebrating its 27th anniversary this year.
Magbanua said from the start until its last broadcast on TV, the local network was able to maintain its lead in the ratings.
Even if the network migrated to online, he said Dabawenyos were still supportive of their programs.
"We had more plans in the future that were cut short. We were not ready to let go. But we are still hoping we would be given the chance to serve the public once more," he said, adding they are still thankful for their viewer's support until the last day.
In his 14 years, Magbanua shared how the local network witnessed significant and unforgettable events and stories within and outside Davao Region. These include bombing incidents, manmade and natural disasters, among others.
ABS-CBN Davao reporter Louie Angchay, who only joined the network's news and current affairs division in 2017, said his three-year experience helped him shape his craft and purpose in the field of journalism.
With ABS-CBN, being his first employer right after graduation, he said it was a humbling experience for him that he was able to serve the community, by providing up-to-date news stories.
Angchay, during their last day, shared how heavy-hearted were the people in the production studio - from the host to the staff.
"Medyo heavy ang mood and atmosphere. Before ma-feel namo ang kalipay, pero tong last day namo, bug-at kaayo sa among kasingkasing (There were a heavy mood and atmosphere during our last day. We used to feel motivated and happy in our work, but on our last day of work, it is heavy in our hearts)," he said.
Admittedly, he said he was already committed to work and planned to stay with the network for a lifetime. But he said, just like his fellow employees, they felt anxiety and uncertainty on their plans in life following their network's closure.
For now, he said he will use this time to rest, and scout for other opportunities. But still, he is optimistic the network will return on the airwaves.
Former ABS-CBN Davao reporter and current SunStar Davao columnist Ara Casas-Tumuran, for her part, said it is hard for her to accept that the network, along with its employees whom she had worked with and "considered her family" for three years (2015-2018), would be closing its doors.
"I can't even look at my Facebook newsfeed because I would be seeing photos of my former colleagues. Medyo sakit pa siya dawaton. (It's hard to accept it.) Pero I hope they will overcome this challenge they're experiencing," Casas-Tumuran said.
Councilor Mabel Sunga Acosta, who hosted some ABS-CBN and dxAB programs, posted on her Facebook account some photos of her memories with ABS-CBN.
"Thank you for all the years of memories, interesting and exciting work experience, the learnings, opportunities, the friendship and camaraderie [sic]," she said.
"It’s difficult to articulate all my feelings now that my former home is closing shop. Guot sa dughan ang mu lantaw sa mga photos mula noon hanggang ngayon. Salamat pod sa mga Dabawenyo nga kanunay nagsubaybay sa TV, FM radio [ug] dxAB (It is with a heavy heart for me to take a glimpse of some of the photos with my memories of the network. I would like to thank Dabawenyos for watching and listening to ABS-CBN on TV and radio)," Acosta said.
Mindanao Independent Press Council (MIPC) President Edith Caduaya also expressed her sympathy to the affected ABS-CBN employees.
“I admire your courage for standing together in an uphill fight -- YOU LOST YOUR FRANCHISE but DEEP IN YOUR HEART YOU NEVER LOST THE BATTLE- YOU NEVER LOST YOUR IDENTITY as journalists and broadcasters and you stand together up to the last minute of your broadcast [sic],” Caduaya said in her Facebook post.
MIPC, a body "representing the various media entities in Mindanao," said in a previous issued statement that the council is "mourning" the decision of the House franchise committee, where 70 House representatives denied ABS-CBN's franchise application on July 10.
The Council called the proceedings in Congress as "travesty" and "mindless theatrics of the so-called representatives of the people simply made an end to a mission that served the Filipino nation."
The National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP), meanwhile, started its Pirma Kapamilya signature campaign drive, which aims to grant the network a “people’s franchise” through people’s initiative, which is provided by law under the Initiative and Referendum Act.
It aims to gather signatures from 10-percent of the country’s voters to affect the granting of a franchise for ABS-CBN.
Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio, meanwhile, said in a radio interview that affected ABS-CBN employees can expect assistance from the city government.