The Public Service Channel, UNTV underwent a major rebranding of itself as a global news and rescue company starting July, which kicked off with the debut of its new one-hour public service program Serbisyong Kasangbahay hosted by Kuya Daniel Razon.

On July 18 this year, UNTV Life officially became UNTV News and Rescue. The move reflected its attempt to pivot away from being viewed merely as a news and lifestyle-oriented broadcasting firm towards a news-and-rescue channel.

Veteran broadcaster and social good advocate Daniel Razon is Chairman and CEO of Breakthrough and Milestones Productions International (BMPI), the content creator for UNTV. Razon is also popularly-known as Mr. Public Service due to the public service endeavors he started through UNTV.

Serbisyong Kasangbahay Debuts

Serbisyong Kasangbahay pushes to greater heights the media channel’s public service image, dishing up public service in an informative yet entertaining way. The program also opens its line for online consultation since it can simultaneously be watched via UNTV and heard via UNTV Radyo La Verdad 1350 kHz.

The show can also be likened to a one-stop public service help desk that ensures that the people seeking assistance are well taken cared for. As well as legal, medical or general welfare concerns, Serbisyong Kasangbahay will cater to SSS, GSIS, PHILHEALTH and other related concerns.

Heightened Push for News-and-Rescue Advocacy

As the lone local media channel known for its news-and-rescue brand, which is a first in the country, UNTV took the bold steps of launching an unconventional cause journalism – “Tulong Muna Bago Balita” (Rescue First, Report Later) during its sixth anniversary in July 18, 2010.

With the news-and-rescue focus of UNTV, Kuya Daniel tries to deviate from the perceived profit-motive image of most newsrooms and commercial broadcasting studios. The veteran broadcaster believes saving lives is more important than media’s role to provide the public with fresh and news-breaking items.

“Our fellowmen are more important than anything else, more than getting and delivering news,” Kuya Daniel said during UNTV’s sixth anniversary. Through this rebranding effort, the news-and-rescue fortifies the full-scale commitment of Kuya Daniel to turn the media channel into a strong force in news delivery and rescue efforts during emergency and crisis situations in the country.

Since launching the advocacy in 2010, Filipinos saw UNTV’s news-and-rescue component ushered in more life-saving projects and more innovative broadcasting endeavors. These include: News and Rescue Mobile Units, News and Rescue Command Center, UNTV Firetrucks, UNTV Radio La Verdad and UNTV Mobile Radio.

Written by Ryan Borja