The Philippine Cable and Telecommunications Association, Inc. (PCTA), the umbrella organization of the country’s cable television operators and internet service providers, introduced the Mabuhay Ang Lokal, a campaign that showcases services and stories of local individuals, groups, and cultures, and value to every household, community, and the country as a whole.
The campaign will capture stories that represent its major themes namely, Lokaltura, Lokalert, and Kwentong Lokal.
Lokaltura will reinforce the members’ contribution in keeping the local culture alive. They capture the vibrant culture of their locale by using their resources and equipment, underlining their roles in capturing, sharing, and supporting local traditions, activities, and flavors. Lokalert will highlight the role members play in keeping communities informed with urgent news and announcements in times of emergencies. It also encourages them to share their programs, initiatives, and proactive efforts in keeping communities updated and safe when they need it the most. Kwentong Lokal will put spotlight on different individuals or groups who have special talents and stories to share. Through the campaign, cable TV subscribers are given the opportunity to be active members of their communities by showcasing and sharing their own stories.
According to Joel Dabao, president of PCTA, the goal of the campaign is to raise the profile of the local cable TV operators which are mostly small businesses. The association is hoping that their members in far away areas will be highlighted in the campaign.
“PCTA and our member operators have always believed that no community must be left behind – even the farthest, most remote ones. Equipped with PCTA’s core competencies, values, and ideas, we have tirelessly worked to come up and run campaigns and initiatives to ensure that every community is served, heard, and celebrated,” said Joel Dabao, president of PCTA.
Dabao said they are hoping to get stories mostly from their members and subscribers. These stories will be airing primarily on social media, on their Facebook page, and they will also build YouTube page. If members find the content compelling, they will be airing them across the nation.
With 302 regular member-cable operators nationwide, the PCTA are serving 75% of the country’s total cable TV subscribers. “PCTA works toward serving and enriching the lives of communities, and we want to banner their stories for the whole country to watch,” Dabao said. “We’re firm believers that our kababayans have a story to share, and we want to help showcase these local content. This is what will differentiate us as an organization. Through this, we hope to create a ripple effect to encourage and inspire more Filipinos in different parts of our country,” he added.
Although the organization would like to offer cable and internet together, there are challenges or obstacles members have encountered along the way. “Some of our members do not have access to the national backbone, and some of them need to get updated technologically,” said Dabao.
Mabuhay Ang Lokal sets its sight on strengthening the presence of PCTA member operators in their respective locales and championing the local communities that they serve and keep alive through their operations and initiatives.
“We have and we will continue to play an active, proactive and productive role in the lives of the communities we serve. Individually, we are local operators whose stories are worth sharing. Collectively, these stories help strengthen our organization’s importance and value to our nation’s narrative and identity most especially in this day and age. Together we will make sure they are known and heard though us,” said Dabao.
To participate, simply film a one-minute video as inspired by the Mabuhay ang Lokal themes. You can be creative by editing your videos prior to submitting to PCTA. You may send your entries to secretary@pcta.org.ph membership@pcta.org.ph or secretariat@pcta.org.ph. PCTA will review your entries and get back to you regarding its airing or distribution.
Chosen entries will be highlighted and featured in local community channels, and all PCTA digital assets to celebrate local stories. After a year of gathering these content, we will culminate with The Best of Mabuhay ang Lokal Stories to showcase the most inspiring and engaging pieces of content.
