PTV general manager Dino Apolonio and Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Martin Andanar toast to the station’s new branding as well as more innovative and informative shows and programs Photos by Yummie Dingding

With revitalized programming and ongoing technical upgrades, the state-run People’s Television network is undergoing a full brand makeover that includes the launch of new shows, a new network logo and a new station ID.

NEWS anchor Diane Querrer and Jojo Alejar hosted the grand launch, where they also introduced their respective shows. During the trade launch that took place Thursday, July 12, at the Marquis Events Place, PTV general manager Dino Apolonio revealed that while PTV will continue to be the purveyor of official government news and information through its formidable line-up of news, public affairs and magazine programs, PTV is airing entertainment content from China, Japan and Korea.

“We are excited to bring a revitalized PTV that’s relevant, responsive and better equipped to serve the information needs of the Filipino. We are at the threshold of another chapter in our network’s colorful history and we hope to share this journey with our audience in our continuing commitment to inform, educate and inspire,” Apolonio noted.

As part of its major facelift, the network now sports a new logo that re-imagines the Philippine flag in the shape of the play button. To complement the new logo, PTV also produced a new station ID anchored on its current slogan, “Kasama Mo, Para sa Bayan.”

Under the new and revitalized PTV, viewers can keep in step with current developments with news programs like Daily Info, Sentro Balita, PTV News, PTV News Headlines and Ulat Bayan that air from morning to night, seven days a week.

Complementing the news are award-winning public affairs and magazine shows like Bagong Pilipinas, PTV Sports, Public Eye and Iskoolmates.

Taking its cue from Damayan Ngayon, one of the longest-running public service shows in the country, PTV has also partnered with several government agencies in co-producing shows designed to bring government services closer to the people. These programs include GSIS Member Hour, The Doctor Is In, Kalusugan Mo, Sagot Ko, DOSTv — Science for the People, Cabinet Report sa Teleradyo, Usapang SSS, and the Department of Energy’s E-Power Mo!

PTV’s regional channels, PTVisMin and PTV Cordillera will carry all of these programs alongside its own Visayan and Ilocano newscasts.

A documentary series on “Benham Rise” is also set to premiere this month.

In lauding PTV’s new brand, Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Martin Andanar has noted how the network has “spread the coverage of official programs and policies from the desks of governance to the ordinary daily lives of the population.”

“Our government television network via satellite and digital broadcast now transmits the actual work of this administration through a variety of programs that contain the narratives of public service in all its forms. PTV’s assumption of these immense responsibilities has provided our people from the centers of activity to the remotest hinterlands with immediate, adequate and relevant information,” Andanar further pointed out.

The ongoing installation of newly-acquired high-definition (HD) equipment, digital production systems and transmitters is designed to bolster PTV’s signal to reach more places. The ongoing upgrades are also part of PTV’s preparation for its eventual migration from analog to full digital terrestrial broadcasting using the ISDB-T System of Japan.

The technical upgrades also puts PTV in a position to offer entertainment content from a global perspective.

On top of its “ASEAN Block,” the network will be showcasing popular dramas, documentaries, cartoons and movies from the Chinese Mainland as part of PTV’s “China Theater Block.” PTV’s partnership with Nippon Hoso Kyokai or NHK of Japan will also result in the airing of 56 Japanese shows in the coming months.

The Power of K, a 30-minute K-Pop variety show featuring the biggest Hallyu stars of today’s generation, is also set to premiere on PTV.

“Just because we’re government doesn’t mean we’re boring,” Apolonio said in explaining the network’s thrust in delivering “quality content with good old entertainment values.”

As PTV continues to strengthen its overall presence, the network is also now a force to reckon with on social media. It currently has over 1.7 million followers on Facebook, 4.76 million impressions on Twitter and more than 5.6 million views on YouTube.