At the height of super typhoon Uwan on November 9, News5 field reporters and young MOJOs (mobile journalists) were deployed at the most heavily-hit areas, providing critical news and information when the public needed it most. The comprehensive coverage demanded the most out of the News5 teams on the ground, with members stepping up to deliver the news that mattered. This work ethic was epitomized by “instant reporter” cameraman Mac Ortiz, who stepped in front of the camera and assumed reporter duties in Albay. Ortiz’s courage and dedication earned widespread admiration online, a fitting testament to News5’s commitment to delivering the news from the frontline.
Moved by the urgent need for help, TV5 — through the Alagang Kapatid Foundation, Inc. (AKFI) and in partnership with the MVP Group of Companies – launched the Tulong Mga Kapatid Bayanihan Drive on November 9 during a special episode of its Sunday OPM countdown show, Vibe.
The launch on Vibe was led by MediaQuest Holdings Chairman Manny V. Pangilinan (MVP), MediaQuest Holdings President and CEO Jane J. Basas, Alagang Kapatid Foundation Inc. (AKFI) and Executive Director Menchie Silvestre. There to show their support were the heads of the MVP foundations: Esther Santos (President, PLDT Smart Foundation), Jeffrey Tarayao (President, One Meralco Foundation), Marie Antoinette de Ocampo (VP, Government Relations, Maynilad Water Services, Inc.), and Marge Barro (Executive Director, Makati Medical Center Foundation). Also present were the leaders of the Philippine Disaster Resilience Foundation, Butch Meily (President) and Veronica Gabaldon (Executive Director).
The Vibe Jocks also encouraged both Gen Z viewers and the general public to join the bayanihan drive by sharing what they can.
On Monday, November 10, the teams of News5, RPTV, One News, One PH, and True Network were mobilized for their comprehensive news coverage, anchored by Lourd De Veyra, Ruth Cabal, Chiqui Vergel, Denise Tan, Ed Lingao, Gretchen Ho, Regina Lay, Cheryl Cosim & Ces Drilon. From 2:30 to 4:45PM, the intensive coverage provided crucial updates on the status of the affected areas in the wake of super typhoon Uwan.
During the News5 coverage, the network also announced that an online live selling event would be streamed via the TV5 Facebook Page on November 14, giving viewers a modern, interactive way to support typhoon-affected communities.
Present to show their pre-loved items up for sale were Kapatid stars Cedrick Juan, Inday Fatima, and Iven Lim. Also joining them in the studio to show their pre-loved items were News5 anchors Julius Babao, Tintin Bersola, Maoui David, Alvin Pura, Ces Drilon, and Cheryl Cosim. Rounding out the in-studio guests who donated items were sports analyst Nikki Villasin and PBA player Ralph Panopio, both representing the Blackwater Bossing team.
Also on display were pre-loved items from GMK anchors Chiqui Roa-Puno, Dimples Romana, Andrei Felix, and Angela Lagunzad-Castro. All proceeds from the live selling will help AKFI provide relief to families affected by the typhoons.
During the marathon coverage, Cheryl Cosim and Ces Drilon interviewed PLDT-Smart Foundation President Esther O. Santos, Maynilad Government & Community Partnerships Head Carlo Comsti, and One Meralco Foundation President Jeffrey Tarayao, highlighting the MVP group of Companies’ vital contributions to the typhoon relief – including free phone calls, cellphone charging, potable water, food packs, and solar lamps — demonstrating the MVP Group’s commitment to immediate disaster response.
Through live reporting, community engagement, and the generosity of Kapatid stars, the Tulong Mga Kapatid Bayanihan Drive proves that when disaster strikes, Filipinos can rise together. This modern approach to the bayanihan spirit of giving demonstrates that every act of help brings hope and relief to those who need it most.
Article by Tempo


