UNTV to Deploy News and Rescue Services on New Year’s Eve

by Agent Searchlight

On the eve of December 31, UNTV will not only report Filipinos’ New Year revelry, mobile rescue units to respond to emergency needs will also be deployed. 

To be aired live on television and on its website, UNTV’s year-end presentation titled Panibagong Taon ng Pagkakawanggawa, Panibagong Taon ng Pagbabalita, highlights public service commitment.

Photo Courtesy of UNTV Marketing

Earlier, UNTV reported the graduation of the third batch of news teams who enrolled in the basic course on Emergency Response Training (ERT). The latest batch, who will augment UNTV’s Tulong Muna Bago Balita advocacy, will be deployed to rove around Metro Manila this New Year’s Eve. 

Meanwhile, UNTV will open the major branches of Clinic ni Kuya nationwide to accept patients for free emergency and first-aid treatments.

Introduced by UNTV Chief Executive Officer Daniel Razon, the news-plus-rescue concept dubbed Tulong Muna Bago Balita (Rescue First, Before News), was unveiled July this year during the station’s 6th year anniversary celebration. 

Razon, who is also popularly known as Kuya Daniel, said, “Our fellowmen are more important than anything else, [next only to] getting and delivering news.”

According to Razon, the news and rescue advocacy redefines news gathering principles and sets rescue as UNTV News Teams’ number 1 priority.  Kuya Daniel said the cause was inspired by the teachings of the International Evangelist Bro. Eli Soriano of Ang Dating Daan (The Old Path).

MOA signing between UNTV and Search and Rescue Unit Foundation Inc. (SARUF) during the program 'Good Morning Kuya' last November 26, 2010.

Razon inspires UNTV news members to undergo emergency-response training courtesy of Search and Rescue Unit Foundation Inc. (SARUF). With the help of SARUF’s training, reporters, cameramen and even drivers are being trained to conduct first-aid and rescue operations. From time to time they undergo refresher and advance training courses like tactical medication, hostage rescue, water and fire rescue.

UNTV vehicles were also equipped not just for news gathering but for rescue purposes as well. Arsenals like trauma kit, rescue gear, stretcher and radio communication device are being used as tools for their rescue operations. 

  

Moreover, UNTV allayed fears that the Tulong Muna Bago Balita advocacy will result in second-rate news reporting. The public service channel assured some quarters that its News Teams are equipped with a mobile transmitter for reporters’ live reports.

UNTV continued that as the Public Service Channel of Philippine Television, it will continuously innovate for the welfare of the society.

Filipino Equestrian Toni Leviste Shares Blood to Save Lives

by Agent Searchlight

At the age of 26, Marie Antoinette "Toni" Leviste was able to touch down at the world’s stage when she competed in ‘Show Jumping’ as an equestrienne at the World Cup Final held in Gothenburg, Sweden in 1999. 

Unfortunately, she was not able to reap a medal from the said competition but her determination to bring honour to her country fuelled her desire to strive harder. 


After Toni’s team won a silver medal at the 2002 Asian Games, her winning frequency soared as she seized international awards year after year following the Asian Games. Her awards include a gold medal for team category and a silver medal for individual category in the 2005 Southeast Asian Games. 


The latest addition to her victories was her successful domination at the CIS-Dinard Young Horse Competition in 2008. Toni, who is now 37 years old, is preparing once again to represent the Philippines in ‘Show Jumping’ at the 2012 Olympic Games.


Toni has a blood of a champion in her which she actually shares to other people – literally and figuratively. In the literal sense, she is a regular blood donor of the Philippine Red Cross (PRC). On a figurative level, she shares her passion in equestrian by creating a training center in her hometown in Batangas.


On December 28, this year, Toni visited the Philippine Red Cross in Manila to donate blood, as reported by UNTV in their news programs ‘Ito ang Balita’ and ‘Hataw Balita’. She was personally assisted by Ms. Gwendolyn Pang who is the secretary general of PRC.


In an interview, Toni told UNTV that as much as she wants to donate blood more frequently her routine as an athlete does not allow it. Even with such limitation, she still managed to fulfil her commitment as a blood donor. 


According to Ms. Pang, Toni's noble act will set an example for others to follow. 


PRC said by donating blood, both the recipients and donors benefit.  Based on various medical researches, donating blood allows the replenishment of the blood supply, causing the body to function more efficiently, which in effect reduces the risk of heart attack and cancer. 


Meanwhile, the PRC stressed the immaterial benefit of blood donation to the donors. According to the organization, there is joy that the act of donating blood brings to an individual upon realizing that one had saved a fellowman in need of blood.

Bataan Kids Save Baby Turtles

by Agent Searchlight

Copied from gameguru.in

In the fantasy world of super heroes, turtles took their share of fame when a US-based studio started publishing a comic series of a team of four anthropomorphic turtles known as ‘Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles’ way back in 1984.


These ‘Ninja Turtles’ were known to be hunters of criminals and saviours of community as they are equipped with gadgets and trained in martial arts. In the Philippines, thousands of kids were really hooked by its weekly television series during the 90’s.


But turtles as hunters and saviors only happen in the fictional world. In reality, turtles are hunted who need saviors. Thanks to the group of kids in Limay, Bataan, north of the capital Manila, who were able to save a bunch of baby turtles last December 27, 2010, as reported by UNTV.


The children discovered the newly hatched Pawikans (marine turtles in Filipino) on a nesting beach in the vicinity of the town of Limay. After adults in the area were informed by the children, the  latter notified the local environmental authorities. Moments later, the baby pawikans were then freed to the sea.


In many parts of the world today, turtles are becoming extinct because these animals are being sold for man's consumption. Turtle meat is considered a delicacy in many cultures especially in Asian countries like China.


In the Philippines alone, many species of these harmless turtles are facing extinction due to poaching and hunting according to OceanHeritage.com.ph, a website formed by a group of Filipino environmentalists dedicated to raise awareness on marine conservation.


There are currently pawikan conservation centers in the municipalities of Morong and Bagac, Bataan through the initiative of Bantay Pawikan Inc., a non-government organization.


To intensify the public’s awareness on the conservation of turtles especially along the coastal villages, there is an annual Pawikan Festival in Morong,Bataan held every end of November. The highlight of the said event is the release of baby turtles back to the sea from the hatcheries of conservation centers.


The local government of Limay, Bataan, through its environment committee is now eyeing to establish its own conservation center for turtles. 

Do not Use Firecrackers, Start a Rightful Act

(Transcription of the infomercial 'Isang Araw Lang' (Just one Day) against using firecrackers, aired over UNTV in support to the campaign of the Department of Health)  

###

(Voice over by Dave Tirao) Sa nakalipas na sampung taon, halos labing-isang libo (10,956) ang mga naging biktima ng paputok ayon datos ng Department of Health. Sa pagtaya naman ng isang kilalang ospital, hanggang limang libong piso ang nagagastos sa bawat biktima ng paputok.


Nangangahulugan na mahigit sa limampung milyong piso (P54.7M) ang nagastos, para sa mga biktima ng paputok sa nakalipas na isang dekada. Katumbas na ito ng presyo ng mahigit apatnapung libong sako ng NFA rice, na sapat na upang may mai-saing ang mahigit dalawang milyong mahihirap na pamilya (2.028M families), sa loob ng isang araw.   


Bago sumapit ang bisperas ng bagong taon, milyun-milyong piso ang ginagastos ng ating mga kababayan para sa paputok. Kung ang mahigit labing-walong milyong (18.5M registered household) rehistradong sambahayan sa bansa ay gagastos na lamang, halimbawa, ng tig-isang daang piso para sa paputok. 


Aabot sa halos dalawang bilyong piso (P1.8B), ang masasayang dahil lamang sa pagpapaputok, bukod pa ang daan-daang magiging biktima nito.


Kung sa isang araw lang sa bisperas ng bagong taon ay hindi tayo magpapaputok, ang halos dalawang bilyong piso na matitipid ay maaari na sanang magamit na pampatayo ng halos limang libong (4,944) classroom na magagamit ng isang daan dalawamput tatlong libo at anim na raang (123,600) mag-aaral batay sa universal classroom-student ratio. Makababawas na rin ito sa mahigit apatnapung libong (41,197) kakulangan sa classroom sa buong bansa. 


Kung sa isang araw lang na hindi tayo magpapaputok, milyun milyon ang matitipid ng mga ospital ng gobyerno para sa pagpapagamot ng mga biktima ng paputok, na magagamit naman sa iba pang mahahalagang bagay.


Sa pagpapaputok wala tayong mapapala, maaari namang magsaya na walang nadidisgrasya.


Kuya Daniel Razon: "Ang paggawa ng mabuti ay hindi magbubunga ng masama, samantalahin natin ang bawat mabuting pagkakataong ibinibigay sa atin ng Panginoon upang gumawa ng mabuti sa lahat at maaari natin itong mapasimulan, kahit isang araw lang"  

###

Kuya Daniel Razon’s advocacy ‘Isang Araw Lang’ (Just one day) calls on the attention of every individual to start doing good things for others, for the country, and to abstain from doing wrong and damaging activities.

Answering to Kuya’s call of ‘Isang Araw Lang’ means to start a rightful act and to sustain it.  

###

Visit the official video campaign site

www.isangarawlang.org 

Daniel Razon's ‘Isang Araw Lang’ Reveals Purity of Intention

by Agent Searchlight

Editor: Jhwl Mendoza

Picture and Logo Courtesy of isangarawlang.org

During commercial gaps at UNTV Channel, viewers will surely distinguish several infomercials voiced in a preachy tone by Dave Tirao or Victor Cosare matched with a graphic depiction of the negative effects on a subject matter like infomercials on the harmful effects of smoking and excessive soda intake.  



What we are talking about here is the TV plugs of Kuya Daniel Razon’s advocacy ‘Isang Araw Lang’ (Just one day) which he calls on the attention of his fellowmen to start doing good things for others, for the country, and to abstain from doing wrong and damaging activities. All of these, according to Kuya Daniel could be started in just one day. 


Answering to Kuya’s call of ‘Isang Araw Lang’ means to start a rightful act and to sustain it. Undeniably, the themes and the wordings of the infomercials catches the viewer’s attention in a way that if they think over the facts being laid upon them in those plugs they will act on it accordingly. 


As a proof that Kuya’s ‘Isang Araw Lang’ infomercials have significant values to viewers, an infomercial that focuses on the destructive effects of illegal drugs was chosen the “Best TV Public Service Announcement” in the 19th KBP Golden Dove Awards held in November 2010. 


Kuya Daniel’s position with his advocacy was challenged when a company wanted to advertise their soda products in his TV program ‘Get it Straight with Daniel Razon’ at UNTV. His program should have been earning millions by now if only the deal pushed through. The negotiation did not fail. Kuya Daniel rejected the offer by his authority as the Chief Executive Officer of UNTV.


He turned down the offer because of the solid stand on his advocacy ‘Isang Araw Lang’. Kuya Daniel made the would-be client understand his cause that by advertising soda products in his TV program he will contradict his advocacy on encouraging people to limit if not totally stop soda intake because of its harmful effects on our health.


We can infer that ‘Isang Araw Lang’ infomercials are not commercial magnets for UNTV given the fact that an advertising client was turned down. With this, the purity of Kuya Daniel Razon’s intention in his public service endeavours has been proven. Kuya Daniel said, it is not about money, nor fame, but doing what you believe right and serving your purpose as a special creation of the Almighty.

Journalists Covering the Airports Cries Foul Over MIAA’s Memo

by Agent Searchlight  
Editor: Longbackers
With a report from Bryan De Paz

UNTV Reporter Bryan De Paz doing standupper at NAIA Terminal 1 (Courtesy of BPD)

De Paz with Raoul Esperas (Courtesy of  BPD)

While most of us agree that restrictions are necessary to ensure peace and security in a modern and complex society; regulations that will supress our freedom as a human being will certainly become a point of dispute. With that perspective, Raoul Esperas and other members of the NAIA Press Corps openly denounces the soon to be imposed regulation of the Manila International Airport Authority that in effect, according to them will supress the freedom of the press.


Esperas who is covering the airport beat for more than 20 years, being a reporter for a local AM radio station and at the same time as ‘stringer’ cameraman for a TV network in the Philippines. Thanks to MIAA’s media affairs department, through the access pass that they give to the press, they were able to serve as the public’s eyes and ears inside the airport. 


The liberty of the airport press to get news fast and accurate inside the terminal is feared to end by January 31, 2011, when the new memorandum circular of MIAA becomes effective. The new memorandum circular limits media coverage in all MIAA terminals that includes NAIA 1, 2 and 3; stating that media people will only be allowed to stay in the lobby. Unlike the previous years where accredited press members have ‘all area’ passes, aside of course from the runway that requires a special permit. 


According to Esperas this is the first time after his two decade stint as an airport reporter, that they received such order which according to them is not helpful in their line of work and would somehow deprive the public with information. 


“Ngayon lang kami ni-rerestrict ng hanggang dito sa lobby, without any consultation sa atin…ito broadcast TV o radio napakahirap po niyan, gaya kahapon nagkaroon ng emergency landing, napakahirap po lalo nasa lobby ka lang”, Esperas said.


During the interview of UNTV Reporter Bryan De Paz with retired general Vicente Guerzon MIAA’s assistant general manager, Guerzon countered the presumption of airport reporters. “Wala ho problema riyan if and when there are some issues that can be covered by media, they will be permitted to go inside the airport”, Guerzon said.  


Still airport reporters like Esperas worries that important events might slip by their watch, since they need to apply for a permit every time they will cover a story inside the terminal. 


From previous media reports, airport General Manager Gen. Jose Angel Honrado (Ret.) explained why they come up with the said regulation. “We want to sanitize the restricted areas to prevent facilitation and corruption,” Honrado said. 


He however made it clear that the media is not their sole target but also government officials who are issued access passes as well. They are set to recall all issued access passes and will conduct a re-assessment on who are eligible for an access pass including its restrictions.


But members of the NAIA Press Corps fears that while the management of MIAA intends to end “corruption and facilitation”, the new order might in any way or the other increase such cases since journalists are restricted to perform their duty as watchdog of the airport. 


“The moment na ipatupad ang restrictions ni GM Honrado sa media, mabubulag ho ang sambayanan at mamamayan kung ano ang mga kaganapan at kung sino ang may masasamang balakin”, Esperas said.


Esperas and his colleagues believe that if it were not because of the steadfast dedication of most members of the press who were granted all around access in the terminal, notable news events that involves corruption might have been hidden away from the public. 


Some of the most remarkable news stories that transpired in MIAA controlled airports include the arrivals of ZTE-NBN star witness Jun Lozada, former Agriculture Usec. Jocelyn Bolante (Involved in the fertilizer fund controversy) and the arrival of Cesar Mancao, a former police colonel who became state witness in the Dacer-Corbito murders.

Philippines' New Generation Bank Notes

Bangko Sentral Deputy Governor Diwa Gunigundo explains to Kuya Daniel during his guesting on the program Get it Straight with Daniel Razon aired over UNTV Channel last December 22, 2010. Gunigundo stood by the BSP's position that the new bank notes are without errors, amidst criticisms on some of its designs particularly on the 1,000 and 500 peso bills.

Gunigundo: “On the matter of the map of the Philippines, our bank notes used an artist's rendition or abstraction of the Philippine map that cannot be expected to reflect all of our islands and the precise coordinates of each site. The BSP’s intention is to indicate the general location of the world heritage sites and iconic natural wonders”

Ex-NBI Director reiterates Kuya’s warning “Bawal ang Pikon!”

(L-F) Ex-NBI Directors Velasco and Mison)

December 23, 2010

by Agent Searchlight

Editor: Longbackers

With a report from Benedict Galazan (UNTV Reporter) 

Manila, Philippines-"Dito lamang sa programang, bawal ang pikon!” is Kuya Daniel's tagline that marks the ending of each episode on His TV program Get it Straight with Daniel Razon.

The phrase "bawal ang pikon! (Sore loser, not allowed)” might have been so catchy or rather the interview itself is so remarkable that former National Bureau of Investigation Director Epimaco Velasco cannot get over it even days after his guesting in GIS.

Velasco, who guested in Kuya's program last week was quoted saying "bawal ang Pikon” in a heated exchange of statements against another former NBI Director, Mariano Mison.

Sabi ko, pare ‘bawal ang pikon’ and I think he listen… Velasco said, speaking of Mison.

Mison, who was obviously annoyed on Velasco’s words countered “ako?...hindi ako nagagalit, sabi raw nagagalit ako, that’s wrong! …I am a more humorous person than he is”.

The two debated when they were summoned yesterday by the Inter-agency Task Force led by the Justice Department that conducts reinvestigation on the 19-year old Vizconde Massacre Case. Both of them handled the Vizconde Case, during their terms as NBI Directors.

Former Director Velasco, who headed the NBI from July 1992 until March 1995, believed that the recently acquitted suspects in the Vizconde Massacre Case topped by Hubert Webb were really innocent of the crime. While Mison, who succeeded Velasco from 1995 to 1996 believed in the testimony of Jessica Alfaro (The disputed star witness of the case), and is still condemning Webb and others, even after the Supreme Court’s final decision on the case.

After the said hearing of the Inter-agency Task Force, the former directors criticize each other in a separate media interview, in which Velasco insinuates that Mison is ‘pikon’ or a sore loser.

In a Tagalog speaking community, the phrase ‘bawal ang pikon’ is not commonly used. Rather, the more common statement among warring individuals would be huwag kang pikon! or don’t be such a sore loser!.

Admittedly Kuya Daniel’s TV program is one of its kinds, as the host itself is exceptional when he asks questions straight to the point without reservations at the same time cautions (indirectly) his guests that while they are guesting on the program, they are not allowed to be sore losers.

Maybe that is why, after surviving excessive grilling in GIS about the topic: Vizconde Massacre Case, Velasco can hardly forget the program’s tagline “bawal ang pikon!”.

Get it Straight with Daniel Razon, airs in UNTV Channel from Monday to Friday at 7am until 7:45am. The program is replayed through its producer’s cut evening edition at 6:30pm until 7:00pm.#

Senator Trillanes goes to Senate for the 1st time

December 22, 2010

by Agent Searchlight

Editor: Longbackers

As reported by Bryan De Paz (UNTV Reporter)

(First 2 pictures shows UNTV Reporter Bryan De Paz with Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV. Smaller image was taken during the November 29, 2007 standoff at The Peninsula Manila hotel in Makati City. UNTV Reporter Rey Pelayo was alongside Trillanes in one instance during the mutiny.)

Pasay City, Philippines-After nearly seven years in jail for coup charges against the past administration of Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, Sen. Antonio “Sonny” Trillanes IV, after elected senator in May 2007 experienced for the first time the atmosphere of the Senate building. Although the Senate is currently on recess, Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile accompanied the Magdalo leader to his office and for the first time met most members of his staff in person.

During the press conference, Trillanes promised to support the Aquino administration and at the same time assured the President that he will not rise up again against the government.

When asked about his feelings towards former president Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, the senator exclaimed that he does not hold any personal grudge against Arroyo but ironically, for now he doesn’t want to meet face to face the former president.

However, Trillanes stressed that the former leader was helpful, based on a perspective that it was because of Mrs. Arroyo’s administration that they (Magdalo soldiers) decided to announce their grievances that resulted to the 2003 Oakwood Mutiny. “It was the former PGMA who was instrumental para maisakatuparan yung faith namin na yun”, according to Trillanes.

The Makati Regional Trial court granted provisional liberty to Trillanes last December 21, 2010, after which he stayed in his residence in Cainta, Rizal since the Senate President gave him the option. Custodial responsibility for Trillanes was directed by the court to the Senate President; however Enrile doesn’t see fit to lock-up Trillanes inside the premises of the Senate building “I think we should not be so harsh to the Senator, as to make the Senator stay in the ‘bartolina’ in the senate”, Enrile said.#

Biker injured as motorbike bumped newly weds’ car

December 21, 2010
by Agent Searchlight
As reported by Garry Rada (UNTV Reporter)

Quezon City, Philippines-Happy feelings of a newly wed inside a Mercedez, was momentarily interrupted when a motorcycle riding man bumped the side of their wedding car around 5 o'clock in the afternoon along Mindanao avenue.


The car sustained minimal damage and the couple was safe, but the unidentified biker rolled in the street with agony due to the intolerable pain that resulted from the collision.


Good thing, the UNTV News and Rescue Team was training nearby and the biker received outright first-aid medication courtesy of Tulong Muna, Bago Balita.


Tulong Muna, Bago Balita (Rescue First, Before News) is just one of Kuya Daniel Razon’s (UNTV CEO) visions of an exceptional public service to the people which was launched during UNTV’s 6th Anniversary last July 22, 2010. The concept which redefines news gathering principles sets Rescue as UNTV News Teams’ no. 1 priority.


This novel propagation of UNTV’s CEO inspires all UNTV News Teams to save lives first from danger whenever needed than getting the facts of their story, with that, all UNTV news members undergo emergency-response training courtesy of Search and Rescue Unit Foundation Inc. (SARUF).#

UNTV and Kuya Daniel Razon, Reaps Dangal ng Bayan Awards

Aired last 12/21/10 in Ito ang Balita and 12/22/10 in Hataw Balita

Reported by Adjes Carreon

Muli na namang kinilala ang mga mabubuting gawa at serbisyo publiko ng tinaguriang Pillar of Public Service in Philippine television. Pinarangalan bilang 'Best Public Service TV Station' ang UNTV sa katatapos lamang na 30^th Yearender Dangal ng Bayan People’s Choice Awards ng National Consumers Affairs Foundation at Asia Pacific Awards Council.

Kinilala rin bilang 'Best Public Service TV Host' ang ating Kuya Daniel Razon (UNTV CEO) na tinanggap naman ng ating kasangbahay na si Atty. Wilhelm Soriano. "Nagpapasalamat po si Kuya Daniel sa lahat, una po sa poong maykapal sa pagbibigay sa kanya ng patuloy na lakas sa paglilingkod bayan" ayon kay Atty. Soriano.

Sinabi ni Jonathan Navea, Project Head ng Dangal ng Bayan Awards, "marami siyang nagagawa, kahit hindi siya pulitiko nabibigyan niya ng public service ang ating mga constituents".

Naging guest presenter ng gabi ng parangal ang tinaguriang Master Showman na si Mr. German Moreno na binigyan din ng parangal na ibinilang sa hall of fame ng entertainment sector.

"Siyempre nakakatuwa at simula yan ng pagpapahalaga sa kanya at sana it will continue", bahagi ng mensahe ni Kuya Germs para kay Kuya Daniel.

Samantala, naging vocal naman si Kuya Germs sa kanyang pagkadismaya sa nakaraang Famas Awards night dahil sa kawalan ng suporta ng karamihang artista at mga kapatid sa industriya. "Para bang ang pagbibigay ng parangal dito sa Famas ay para bang hindi na nila binibigyan ng importansiya, sana huwag namang ganun dahil alam natin na ito ang unang award giving body", ayon kay Kuya Germs.

Daniel Razon celebrates 27th year in public service with bolder news advocacy

December 13, 2010

Parańaque, Philippines. Just four months after he launched Tulong Muna Bago Balita (Rescue First Before News), broadcast journalist Daniel Razon heightened UNTV’s pioneering news advocacy with 15 new, news and rescue mobile units. These were unveiled last November 28, 2010 during the celebration of Razon's 27th year of service to God and humanity at Esplanade, Mall of Asia in Pasay City, Philippines.

The new mobile units plus the trained news and rescue team of UNTV complete the rationale behind Kuya Daniel’s news advocacy: To save people’s lives first before reporting news.

While news patrols of other media establishments are intended solely for journalistic purposes, UNTV’s new mobile units are equipped with facilities needed for rescue and first aid operations.

“Our fellowmen are more important than anything else, more than getting and delivering news,” Mr. Razon pointed out during UNTV’s 6th anniversary celebration on July 18, 2010.

In the same month, Kuya Daniel sent the UNTV news crews to a month-long emergency response training (ERT) where they were trained to be rescuers, from first aid application to technical and rescue operations. The Search and Rescue Unit Foundation, Inc. (SARUF) — a recognized army rescue unit in the Philippines — led by its president Jerry Carual, trained the team.

According to Carual, this is the first time in the Philippines that a media organization has been directly involved in rescue efforts. UNTV pioneered in going through an ERT, he added.

Source: http://www.danielrazon.com/en/news/1012130008/