 |
| National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) Chief Atty. Ella Blanca Lopez receives a Certificate of Recognition and a token after her Keynote Address at the launch of Aliw 23. Joining her on stage, from left are Aliw Broadcasting Corporation executive officers Executive Vice President and General Manager Atty. Mcneil M. Rante, Vice President D. Adrian Cabangon, Chairman and President D. Edgard A. Cabangon, Vice President for Business Development Dennis Antenor Jr., and Vice President for Sales and Marketing Marvin Estigoy. (Image Source: BusinessMirror/Aliw Broadcasting Corporation) |
With the theme “Reaching and Engaging More Filipinos Nationwide and Worldwide", Aliw Broadcasting Corporation officially introduced Aliw 23, its digital broadcast television and free-to-air channel, on June 23, 2023 at The Podium Hall in Mandaluyong City. More than 300 guests composed of industry leaders, government officials, advertisers and partners including advertising agencies and ALC officers, attended the event. The well-attended, highly anticipated launch signified a major progression for Aliw Broadcasting Corporation as it expanded its presence in the country’s television industry by building upon the accomplishments of its Home Radio and DWIZ brands. Aliw Broadcasting Corporation is one of the broadcast media assets of the ALC Group of Companies — alongside RPN and Nine Media which owns and operates CNN Philippines.
“This achievement fills me with confidence that my father, the late Ambassador Antonio Cabangon Chua would have been proud to witness the expansion of the business he established. Serving the Filipino people has always been his vision, and establishing a broadcasting channel was one of his aspirations for the ALC Group. I am certain he would be delighted to see this dream become a reality,” said ALC Group of Companies Chairman and Aliw Broadcasting Corporation Chief Executive Officer (CEO) D. Edgard A. Cabangon. On January 5, 2022, the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) granted Aliw Broadcasting Corporation Provisional Authority to operate and maintain a Digital Television (TV) Broadcasting System in Metro Manila/Mega Manila using Channel 23. This grant has paved the way for the corporation to offer high-quality content and entertainment to a wider audience. Four months later, on May 6, 2022, the channel launched its broadcast with a live video feed of DWIZ, known as IZTV. The following year, on January 30, IZTV was relaunched as ALIW Channel 23. Prior to the channel's formal launch, Aliw Broadcasting Corporation opened and blessed the channel's studio located at 20th floor of Citystate Centre on 709 Shaw Blvd., Brgy. Oranbo in Pasig City.
Aliw Broadcasting Corporation Executive Vice President (EVP) and General Manager Atty. McNeil Rante expressed the channel’s dedication to public service, stating, “We will continue to be of service to the Filipino people by providing only the truth and unwavering public service.” Aliw 23 aims to become a trusted source of information and a platform for engaging content that resonates with its audience, Rante added. One of the key features of Aliw 23 is that all its programs can be viewed free of charge without any subscription required. Offering Free-to-Air (FTA) services, Aliw 23 broadcasts in unencrypted form, allowing any person with the appropriate receiving equipment to receive the signal and view or listen to Aliw 23 without requiring a subscription, other ongoing cost or one-off fees (pay-per-view). This accessibility ensures that the channel can reach a wide audience and fulfill its mission of connecting with Filipinos nationwide and even globally. Aliw 23 officials said the channel is committed to providing relevant news and entertainment on a global scale. “The channel has prepared a diverse range of meaningful segments and programs to deliver a complete television experience for its viewers.”
Meanwhile, NTC Commissioner Atty. Ella Blanca Lopez, who graced the channel's official launch, lauded Aliw Broadcasting Corporation for its unwavering commitment to providing Filipinos with exceptional news and entertainment. “On behalf of the National Telecommunications Commission, I would like to extend our warmest congratulations to Aliw Broadcasting Corporation as we come together to celebrate yet another milestone for your organization. The launch of Aliw Channel 23 is a testament to your institution’s dedication in providing Filipinos with the best sources of news and entertainment,” the commissioner said. During her speech, Lopez recognized Aliw Channel 23’s alignment with the government’s principles and values, particularly in light of Philippine President His Excellency Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s recent statement on combating fake news and promoting access to reliable information. She emphasized the importance of crafting and broadcasting content that upholds truth and trust. “Earlier this week, during the International Conference of Information Commissioners (ICIC), our dear president, His Excellency Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., was quoted as saying ‘fake news has no place in Philippine Society.' He asserted that the country should continue advancing the people’s right to access information. I believe that Aliw Channel 23 will share the same principle and trust as the government, as it begins to craft and air its content,” Lopez affirmed.
Recognizing the significance of television as a medium of communication, the NTC chief referenced data from Kantar Media Research which revealed that a significant portion of the Filipino population still watch television. With 21.7 million households and 92.9 million individuals engaged in television viewing, there is tremendous potential for growth in the industry, she said. Lopez encouraged Aliw Channel 23 to create compelling content that captivates viewers’ attention. “As Aliw embarks on this new journey, rest assured that NTC will be supportive of your endeavors,” she said. Assuring Aliw Broadcasting Corporation of the NTC’s unwavering support, Lopez emphasized that the grant of authority to install, operate, and maintain digital TV broadcasting using Channel 23 was based on a thorough evaluation of the institution’s qualifications. “The Filipino TV viewing public is eagerly awaiting to see what Aliw Channel 23 has to offer. This public sentiment should inspire your outfit to create awe-inspiring, truthful, educational, and uplifting content. This much, we owe to the Filipino people,” she stressed. “Not to worry, though, as I have trust and confidence in Aliw, as credible and responsible broadcast comes hand to hand in established institutions like yours. Just continue to do what you do best,” she added.
Aliw Broadcasting Corporation conveyed its gratitude and appreciation to Commissioner Lopez and NTC for their warm support. The company promised to deliver truthful and informative news that will benefit the country. Aliw Broadcasting Corporation is part of the ALC Group of Companies, a conglomerate that operates in various industries, including insurance, banking and finance, pre-need services, memorial care, hotels, real estate and media, among others.
