Latest news with #KapusoMo
GMA Network
21-05-2025
- Business
- GMA Network
GMA Reinforces Leadership in Philippine Broadcast, Digital Media
GMA Network further solidified its position as the Philippines' leading media company in 2024, outperforming the competition across broadcast and digital media platforms. Speaking at the GMA Network Annual Stockholders' Meeting held virtually on Wednesday, May 21, President and CEO Gilberto R. Duavit, Jr. highlighted the Network's robust performance despite challenging economic conditions. 'We retained our position as the convincingly dominant TV broadcast network in the country,' Duavit said. Commanding Broadcast Media Leadership GMA Network maintained its status as the top TV broadcast network in the country in 2024. According to Nielsen's National Urban TV Audience Measurement (NUTAM) People Ratings, its main GMA channel averaged 5.1 rating points, followed by TV5 (1.9) and GTV (1.2), the Network's second channel. GMA also led in Nielsen's Philippine National TV Audience Measurement (PHINTAM) People ratings, averaging 4.7 rating points, again ahead of TV5 (1.7) and GTV (1.1). GMA programs dominated the list of top 30 shows, with 26 entries in NUTAM and 27 in PHINTAM. Multi-awarded public affairs show 'Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho' led both lists. For the same period, 19 of the top 25 News, Public Affairs/Service programs in both NUTAM and PHINTAM were from GMA, led again by "Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho" and followed by "24 Oras" and "24 Oras Weekend." In radio, flagship stations Super Radyo DZBB 594 kHz and DWLS 97.1 Forever! continued to lead in Mega Manila, according to data from Nielsen's Radio Audience Measurement (RAM). DZBB grew its audience share to 43.4 % in 2024, while DWLS 97.1 netted an increased audience share of 50.5 %. GMA stations in Iloilo (AM and FM) and Baguio (FM) also ranked No. 1 in their respective areas, based on Nielsen's Key Cities RAM for Q4 2024. GMA Regional TV newscasts One North Central Luzon, Balitang Bisdak, One Western Visayas, and One Mindanao were likewise the preferred news sources in the regions, generating a combined reach of approximately 20 million viewers. Strengthening Digital Dominance GMA's momentum continued in the digital space. In 2024, GMA was the highest-ranking media company across Southeast Asia in Tubular Lab's Leaderboard for Media and entertainment properties for 11 consecutive months, with global rankings of between 15th and 20th place within the same period. Based on the same Tubular Labs data, GMA's official accounts tallied a total of 45.5 billion video views across Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok. Meanwhile, led all Filipino publishers in local rankings for five months in the second semester of 2024, and in global rankings for three months for the same period, according to data from Similar Web. Total Subscribers/Followers/Users across all digital platforms, along with its digital revenue, grew 14 % year-on-year. Cinematic Successes GMA's film production, led by GMA Pictures, was marked with big successes in 2024. "Green Bones," co-produced with GMA Public Affairs, emerged as the big winner at the 50th Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF). 'Balota,' a collaboration with GMA Entertainment Group, received critical acclaim and was a top-grosser at Cinemalaya. The blockbuster Star Cinema-GMA Pictures co-production "Hello, Love, Again" set the record for the highest-grossing Filipino film of all time. Several titles were also licensed for streaming: the multi-awarded film "Firefly" on Prime Video and the highly-acclaimed drama series "Pulang Araw" and "Balota" on Netflix. The co-production "Everything About My Wife" is also set to debut on Netflix. Operational Highlights With 2024 being a challenging year for the Network, GMA ended the year with consolidated Net Income After Tax (NIAT) of P2.065 billion, down 35% year-on-year. Consolidated net revenues reached P17.565 billion, a 6% decline from last year. It was able to manage its total OPEX at P14.386 billion, only up by 2% versus FY 2023; inclusive of a non-recurring expense of P118.62 million for the Collective Bargaining Agreement. Further cementing its superiority in broadcast-terrestrial reach, GMA commissioned eight new DTT stations and one upgraded analog TV station. It now has a total of 115 analog and digital TV transmitter stations nationwide. 'As we go forward, no effort is spared towards achieving our objective of value optimization in the broadcast and digital spaces, keeping a keen eye out to ensure our continued leadership and competitiveness in both,' Duavit emphasized. With GMA celebrating its 75th anniversary this year, the Network remains attuned to the evolving viewing preferences of an increasingly global audience—embracing digital transformation and storytelling innovation as it expands its reach across all platforms.
GMA Network
21-05-2025
- Business
- GMA Network
GMA Network reinforces leadership in Philippine broadcast and digital media
GMA Network further solidified its position as the Philippines' leading media company in 2024, outperforming the competition across broadcast and digital media platforms. Speaking at the GMA Network Annual Stockholders' Meeting held virtually on Wednesday, May 21, President and CEO Gilberto R. Duavit, Jr. highlighted the Network's robust performance despite challenging economic conditions. 'We retained our position as the convincingly dominant TV broadcast network in the country,' Duavit said. Commanding broadcast media leadership GMA Network maintained its status as the top TV broadcast network in the country in 2024. According to Nielsen's National Urban TV Audience Measurement (NUTAM) People Ratings, its main GMA channel averaged 5.1 rating points, followed by TV5 (1.9) and GTV (1.2), the Network's second channel. GMA also led in Nielsen's Philippine National TV Audience Measurement (PHINTAM) People ratings, averaging 4.7 rating points, again ahead of TV5 (1.7) and GTV (1.1). GMA programs dominated the list of top 30 shows, with 26 entries in NUTAM and 27 in PHINTAM. Multi-awarded public affairs show 'Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho' led both lists. For the same period, 19 of the top 25 News, Public Affairs/Service programs in both NUTAM and PHINTAM were from GMA, led again by "Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho" and followed by "24 Oras" and "24 Oras Weekend." In radio, flagship stations Super Radyo DZBB 594 kHz and DWLS 97.1 Forever! continued to lead in Mega Manila, according to data from Nielsen's Radio Audience Measurement (RAM). DZBB grew its audience share to 43.4 % in 2024, while DWLS 97.1 netted an increased audience share of 50.5 %. GMA stations in Iloilo (AM and FM) and Baguio (FM) also ranked No. 1 in their respective areas, based on Nielsen's Key Cities RAM for Q4 2024. GMA Regional TV newscasts One North Central Luzon, Balitang Bisdak, One Western Visayas, and One Mindanao were likewise the preferred news sources in the regions, generating a combined reach of approximately 20 million viewers. Strengthening digital dominance GMA's momentum continued in the digital space. In 2024, GMA was the highest-ranking media company across Southeast Asia in Tubular Lab's Leaderboard for Media and entertainment properties for 11 consecutive months, with global rankings of between 15th and 20th place within the same period. Based on the same Tubular Labs data, GMA's official accounts tallied a total of 45.5 billion video views across Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok. Meanwhile, led all Filipino publishers in local rankings for five months in the second semester of 2024, and in global rankings for three months for the same period, according to data from Similar Web. Total Subscribers/Followers/Users across all digital platforms, along with its digital revenue, grew 14 % year-on-year. Cinematic successes GMA's film production, led by GMA Pictures, was marked with big successes in 2024. "Green Bones," co-produced with GMA Public Affairs, emerged as the big winner at the 50th Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF). 'Balota,' a collaboration with GMA Entertainment Group, received critical acclaim and was a top-grosser at Cinemalaya. The blockbuster Star Cinema-GMA Pictures co-production "Hello, Love, Again" set the record for the highest-grossing Filipino film of all time. Several titles were also licensed for streaming: the multi-awarded film "Firefly" on Prime Video and the highly-acclaimed drama series "Pulang Araw" and "Balota" on Netflix. The co-production "Everything About My Wife" is also set to debut on Netflix. Operational highlights With 2024 being a challenging year for the Network, GMA ended the year with consolidated Net Income After Tax (NIAT) of P2.065 billion, down 35% year-on-year. Consolidated net revenues reached P17.565 billion, a 6% decline from last year. It was able to manage its total OPEX at P14.386 billion, only up by 2% versus FY 2023; inclusive of a non-recurring expense of P118.62 million for the Collective Bargaining Agreement. Further cementing its superiority in broadcast-terrestrial reach, GMA commissioned eight new DTT stations and one upgraded analog TV station. It now has a total of 115 analog and digital TV transmitter stations nationwide. 'As we go forward, no effort is spared towards achieving our objective of value optimization in the broadcast and digital spaces, keeping a keen eye out to ensure our continued leadership and competitiveness in both,' Duavit emphasized. With GMA celebrating its 75th anniversary this year, the Network remains attuned to the evolving viewing preferences of an increasingly global audience—embracing digital transformation and storytelling innovation as it expands its reach across all platforms. For more news and updates, visit —AOL, GMA Integrated News
GMA Network
18-05-2025
- General
- GMA Network
'Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho' sheds light on abaca industry and the hard work that goes into the harvest
Abaca is one of the strongest natural fibers in the world, used in handicrafts, fabrics, and even money. Aside from being a strong material, it is also more sustainable. More than 80% of its global supply is proudly made in the Philippines. Part of the family of bananas, and native to the Philippines, abaca is especially abundant in Barangay Malaunay in the town of Valencia, Negros Oriental. The area is a breeding ground for Laoa, or the most famous form of abaca fiber in the world. The harvest of abaca has been a longtime profession of Jessie and Jun. "Mga 17 pa ko nagsimula nito. Kasi wala kaming ibang pagkukunan kaya napilitan kami kahit bata pa 'yung edad. Ang importante meron kaming konting matrabaho," Jun said on "Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho." ["I was about 17 years old when I started harvesting abaca. We had no other source of income, so we were forced to do this even though we were still young. What was important was having some work— no matter how little."] Jessie, meanwhile, started at the age of 10. The farm or abacahan they would go for harvest is owned by Jessie's cousin. "Sinasabi nila na, 'Yung abacahan ko, kigihan n'yo kasi kapag nabenta, bibigyan ng parte,'" Jun said. ["They would say, 'Harvest my abaca for me, and when it's sold, you'll get a share."] They walk for 30 minutes to get there. Jun and Jessie carry their equipment alaran, which is used to collect the abaca fibers. Jessie would look for a tree he can cut, and then would take off its outer layers, the abaca skins. Meanwhile, Jun would sift them through the sieve and repeatedly pull until the abaca fiber is obtained. This process is called "panggagahot." It comes with risk, because the alaran is sharp and heavy, and the ground is slippery. With one strong pull, he may fall or get hurt. "Palagi talaga kaming malapit na madisgrasya 'pag naghihila kami nito. 'Pag napuputol, natatapon kami sa malayo. Pero okay lang, kasi hindi naman napipilay. Sugat-sugat lang konti," Jun said. ["We're prone to accidents whenever we pull this. When it snaps, we get thrown far. But it's okay—we don't really get hurt, just a few cuts and scrapes."] His hands are also filled with calluses. "Siyempre masakit sa kamay pero matitiis naman kasi wala namang iba," he said. ["It hurts our hands, but we have to endure it because there's nothing else we can do."] The harvest Jun and Jessie then take turns throughout the harvesting process. He shared a life-threatening experience he had while working on the abaca. "Nagulungan ng bato, nakapaksi kasi ako ng abaca, hindi ko alam na hindi 'yun bato sa taas, kaya nangyari na [nabali 'yung paa ko]," he said. "'Yan ang mahirap sa pagkigi." ["I got run over by a rock while I was carrying abaca. I didn't realize that the rock above was loose, so it happened—my foot got broken. That's the hard part about this kind of work."] After a whole day of "panggagahot," Jun and Jessie collect more than two kilos of abaca that they need to dry before selling. A kilo sells for P180, but since the owner takes a share and they have to halve the remaining earnings into two, they only end up getting a small portion. Since they are only able to harvest abaca twice a year, Jun and Jessie also work as construction workers. While the job is commonly for men, there are still women who sign up for it. Farmer Jane Ann said she started because she saw her partner struggling and wanted to help out. "Kahit mahirap 'yan, gagawin na lang. Kahit panlalaki lang sana 'yan. Mapait 'tong sitwasyon na 'to," Jane Ann said. ["Even though it's difficult, we just keep doing it—even if it's supposedly only for men. Our situation is really tough."] Like the other farmers, she climbs mountains to get abaca and carries them back down as the alaran she uses is in their home. It is not an easy job for Jane Ann, as half of her body was burned as a child. To add to her duties, she also has to take care of her partner and their children. The sale After a few weeks, the dried abaca fibers of Jun, Jessie, and Jane Ann were ready for sale. But since they were only able to collect a few, they decided to combine their harvest, which added up to five-and-a-half kilos. They were able to sell these at P165 per kilo and earned a total of P907.50. Jun and Jessie got P150 each, whereas Jane Ann got P300, which she used to buy rice. "Sobrang lugi! Kukuhanan pa ng para sa may-ari ng lupa! Hindi talaga kami nagbebenta ng kaunti kasi lugi, gas pa lang," Jun said. ["It's such a huge loss for us. A share also goes to the landowner. We really don't sell in small amounts because it's not worth it—just the fuel alone costs too much."] The farmers' abaca is often sold to buyers in Valencia, like Ricardo, who pays P180. He sells these to his frequent buyers in Cebu, Albay, and Manila for a higher price at P210 per kilo. "Ito ring abaca ang ginagawang materyales para sa damit," Ricardo said. "Meron akong isang customer na Chinese, pinapadala niya sa China." ["This abaca is also used as material for clothing. I have one Chinese customer who sends it to China."] To this, Jun said, "Bahala na malaki ang tubo nila, sa'min konti. Ang importante, meron kaming pinagkukunan." ["It's okay if they make a big profit, and ours is small. What matters is that we have something to earn from."] According to Nina Lacson of the Philippine Fiber Industry Development Authority (PhilFIDA), this was due to additional costs. "Mahal pa sa shipment from here to Luzon or other destination. Ang nire-regulate natin, ang quality. 'Yung pricing, nagdepende sa quality ng fiber." ["Shipping costs from here to Luzon or other destinations are quite expensive. What we focus on regulating is the quality— the price depends on the fiber's quality."] Industry issues The abaca industry has its share of issues. The Department of Agriculture (DA) in Negros Oriental said it went through a crisis when the abaca trees were affected by moko disease, which is caused by bacteria. This kills the trees slowly, and affects the abaca industry of Valencia as a whole. "What we need to do is to teach farmers on how to plant properly, how to harvest properly, and to make sure na hindi siya nakadikit sa mga bananas," Ali Atienza, PhilFIDA Director said. "Education ang pinaka-importante and good agricultural practices." ["What we need to do is to teach farmers how to plant properly, how to harvest properly, and ensure the abaca is not intercropped with bananas. Education is key— along with practicing good agricultural methods."] Additionally, the use of polymer bills instead of abaca in money also affects farmers' livelihood. "National treasure natin ang abaca. It's endemic to the Philippines, pero we are not using it. A lot of other countries are still using abaca, pero dito nawala," Atienza said. ["Abaca is our national treasure. It's endemic to the Philippines, yet we are not using it. Many other countries still rely on abaca, but here, it has almost disappeared."] "But definitely, we are pushing to move it again, put abaca back in our money," she added. "I've talked to [Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas] and they're very willing naman. Since ang pera natin is polymer, I think puwede natin magawa na maihalo uli ang abaca doon." ["But we're definitely pushing to bring it back—especially in our currency. I've already spoken with Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, and they're very open to it. Since our money is now made of polymer, we believe it's possible to reintroduce abaca into the mix."] Ariel Casilao of the Unyon ng Manggagawa sa Agrikultura added that farmers' rights need to be emphasized as well. "Kailangan natin mai-push 'yung mga batas na tumutugon sa pangangailangan ng mga magsasaka," he said. "Sa kasalukuyan kasi ang problema, capital ng mga magsasaka sarili nilang bulsa. Kagyat na panawagan natin 'yung 25,000 na production subsidy." ["We need to push for laws that respond to the real needs of farmers. Right now, they're forced to rely on their own pockets for capital. That's why we're urgently calling for a P25,000 production subsidy."] Casilao added, "Hindi dapat ito magiging pasanin ng magsasaka alone. Responsibilidad ng gobyerno, siguraduhin na 'yung industriya ay nabubuhay kasama 'yung mga magsasaka." ["This shouldn't be the burden of farmers alone. It's the government's responsibility to ensure that the industry thrives—together with the farmers."] The Municipal Office of Agriculture in Valencia has expressed support towards abaca farmers. With the leadership of PhilFIDA, they distributed abaca seedlings to farmers in Valencia and gave them shredding machines. Lendon Escalante of the DA said, "Marami tayong mga abaca farmers na ngayon na hindi talaga susunod sa mga makabagong teknolohiya ng agrikultura. Ineengganyo din namin sila through digital information na 'yung mga raw mats ng fiber ay pipiktyuran para papakita." ["Many abaca farmers are still hesitant to adopt modern agricultural practices. We're encouraging them to use digital tools—like photographing raw fiber materials to better show their quality."] He also shared his vision: "Gusto kong mangyari sana, to adopt a farm. Para itong mga textile makers. Diretso na, wala nang trader." ["What I hope will happen is to adopt a farm. Textile makers working directly with farmers—no more traders in between."] —JCB, GMA Integrated News
