QUEZON CITY, (PIA) — Antonio Baltazar “Toby” Nebrida Jr., a former reporter for the People’s Television (PTV), has reported for duty, after having been appointed as the new general manager of the state-owned broadcasting company.
Nebrida, who previously served as the spokesperson for the Department of Migrant Workers, sees his new role as a “homecoming” and has pledged to make PTV more responsive and capable.
“I’m just really going home,” Nebrida said, likening his appointment to a return to his “old home” after previously working as a PTV reporter.
Nebrida took his oath of office on Tuesday before Presidential Communications Office Secretary Cheloy Garafil at Malacañang Palace, replacing veteran broadcast journalist Analisa Puod. PTV operates under the supervision of the PCO.
In his remarks, Nebrida outlined three key priorities for his tenure: capacity building of PTV’s personnel, improving programming, and upgrading the network’s equipment and infrastructure.
He emphasized the need to engage with stakeholders in the executive and legislative branches to fulfill PTV’s mandate as the “People’s Network.”
“And we hope to be able to engage our partners in the Executive, in the Legislative, and our other stakeholders so that we can fulfill the mandate that was given to us,” Nebrida said.
Prior to his new appointment, Nebrida served as the spokesperson for the Department of Migrant Workers under the late Secretary Susan Ople. His background as both a reporter and a government spokesperson has prepared him to lead PTV during this critical time.
Regarding the reported appeal by some members of the PTV Employees Association to reconsider the decision to replace Puod, Nebrida said he respects their opinion and vowed to listen and “work with them.”
“Kung may mga agam-agam, (If there are doubts) I will listen. Bahagi ‘yan ng ating lipunan, ng ating demokrasya, ng paghahayag (That’s part of our society, of our democracy, of our freedom of expression),” he said, adding that it would be “ironic” if he did not allow people to air their grievances as the head of the national broadcaster.
Nebrida’s appointment is seen as a crucial step in the government’s efforts to strengthen PTV’s position as a trusted and responsive public service broadcaster, catering to the informational and educational needs of all Filipinos. (JCO/PIA-NCR)
