The resilience of television

BY FORMER SENATE PRESIDENT MANNY VILLAR

May 8, 2024 05:27 AM

  

---

OF TREES AND FOREST

The media landscape has changed tremendously over the past couple of decades. I remember when I was young the source of entertainment and information was the radio. At night, some of us would gather around the radio listening to soap operas and the news.

Then the television came along and changed our entire way of life. Our information, our source of entertainment revolved around that box with antenna that broadcast news and TV shows initially via black and white then later in full color.

TV and radio are still around but advances on communications technology, the ubiquity of the internet and smartphones and the prevalence of social media has upended the reign of TV as source of information. It has also threatened the viability and existence of traditional media. Traditional newspaper circulations have dwindled and TV has seen a decline in viewership.

According to a 2023 study entitled, Digital 2023 Global Overview Report by Meltwater and We Are Social, there are 85.2 million internet users in the Philippines. Just to gain a bit of a perspective, in 2013 the number of internet users was 32.3 million. Those who use social media said that their primary reason for using social media was to keep in touch with family and friends (69.2 percent) followed closely by “reading news stories” (47.3 percent).

A very recent poll by Publicus Asia Inc. conducted from March 14 to 18, 2024 showed that 65 percent of Filipinos browse the Internet as their main source of news. Interestingly, television is still hanging tough. The survey found that “61 percent of Filipino adults access Facebook to get their news, while around 65 percent still consume news through television.”

This mirrors the 2021 study made by the Ateneo de Manila University School of Government which found that 79 percent of Filipinos often get their news from random feeds on the social network. But again, television was second at 66 percent, followed by YouTube at 57 percent and other news websites at 54 percent.

A Pulse Asia survey during the same year actually found that television was still king despite the quick ascent of the internet as a source of news and information. Ninety one percent of respondents said they get their news from television, 49 percent from radio and 48 percent from the Internet. What do these numbers tell us? 

Filipinos, in this day and age, use multiple sources to get their news and other information. Despite being bombarded by news—real and fake—from various social media platforms a good number of Filipinos remain devoted to their TVs. In fact, despite complaints about the proliferation of fake news, social media has added additional options for information sources. I think television can play an important role to checking false information. Ideally, social and traditional media should be able to co-exist harmoniously to provide accurate and timely information to our people.

These thoughts and numbers were at the back of my mind when we decided to welcome TV Patrol to the Advanced Media Broadcasting System (AMBS) broadcast. This was part of the agreement that we signed with ABS-CBN Corp. that will officially bring, on May 13, iconic Filipino entertainment programs and relevant news to more audiences via our free-to-air channel ALLTV. This is all part of ALLTVs commitment to provide quality entertainment and timely information to the Filipino nation.

Television will remain an integral part of the lives of Filipinos. Sure, things have changed. We no longer have those big, bulky TV boxes, we now have slick, slim and smart TVs. No more antenna that you need to adjust constantly in order to get a strong signal. The screens are LED, OLED or QLED instead of the grainy black and whites we used to enjoy years ago. But I think the essential lesson remains the same—we need information and we need to be entertained.

There might come a time when artificial intelligence will render the TV extinct, but for the time being let us enjoy this wonderful box that has been our trusted companion, whether alone or in communion with others. (mbv_secretariat@vistaland.com.ph and/or http://www.mannyvillar.com)

The right side of the tracks

BY FORMER SENATE PRESIDENT MANNY VILLAR

Sep 13, 2023 00:10 AM

  

---

OF TREES AND FOREST

A modern, efficient, and sustainable transport system is essential in the life of a metropolis. Population growth and urbanization have a tendency to choke modern cities that in turn reduce the quality of life of its residents. More people are leaving their rural hometowns and living in cities. According to the United Nations 4.4 billion people live in cities. That is a staggering 56 percent of the total world population! And to think that in 1950 that rate was only 25 percent. The UN further projected that by 2050 “nearly seven of 10 people will live in cities.”

This is the reason why cities need to be planned and managed such that economic growth is balanced with good quality of life for all inhabitants. One key element of building a modern and sustainable city is by providing efficient railway transportation. Railways can efficiently move people and goods so they can promote growth. At the same time, railways can be environment-friendly as it cuts greenhouse gas emissions. When managed well, rails are a clean and compact way to promote growth and maintain good quality of life for residents.

I have been thinking about this as I began imagining the city of my dreams — Villar City. This city of my dreams is a 3,500-hectare masterplan that I envision to become Metro Manila’s new center of gravity, an integrated development that will traverse 15 satellite cities where economic, lifestyle, cultural, and leisure activities converge.  I realized that in order to avoid the mistakes of previous urban developments, we need to ensure that it is built with an efficient road and railway network. There is a need to plan ahead and anticipate the needs of a burgeoning metropolis rather than dealing with urban problems when it is there already.

We have recently acquired the ₱3.8-billion, four-kilometer Muntinlupa-Cavite Expressway that links Daang Hari and Daang Reyna to the South Luzon Expressway (SLEX). We have also inaugurated Villar Avenue, a 10-kilometer, 10-lane road that we envision will help decongest traffic and reduce travel time from Las Piñas City to portions of Bacoor and Dasmariñas in Cavite province. It will connect the 15 satellite cities of Villar City, and will feature dedicated bike lanes as well as a bus rapid transit (BRT) system.

We want to build our first ever railway project that will link Metro Manila to Villar City.  And this will come at no cost to the government and I really think this is doable because since I own the land there will be no right-of-way issues that tend to get in the way of some infrastructure projects. During an interview with some business reporters, I said that trains are a real estate play. It’s not a transportation play. I said this because railways are more than just a form of transportation that moves people from point A to point B. It has a positive impact on property values and more importantly, when done properly an efficient transport will lead to new and vibrant neighborhoods, opportunities for small businesses, and the conservation of open space. This is all part of my vision for my legacy project. 

I remember the first time I saw a Philippine National Railway (PNR) train at the historic Tutuban Station. I was amazed by the sight and the sounds of this behemoth of a transport system. Nowadays, trains are more modern and more efficient. I never thought that one day I will be building railways in a city from the ground up. Or maybe I did. Maybe I daydreamed about it in one of those childhood afternoons I spent looking outside our Tondo house while my brothers played on the street. I do not know. What I know for sure is that this project has got me all exhilarated like a kid on his first day of school or a fresh graduate on his first interview. Is that butterflies in my stomach or fire in my belly?

For comments, please send email to: mbv_secretariat@vistaland.com.ph and/or http://www.mannyvillar.com.
 

Change management

 

Change management

BY FORMER SENATE PRESIDENT MANNY VILLAR

  

OF TREES AND FOREST

Jeepneys are not just utilitarian modes of transportation for Filipinos. It is that, yes. They offer an affordable mode of transportation for students, workers and the general population that also supports the livelihood of thousands of drivers and independent operators. Back in the day, the jeepney was my go-to ride when going to school or when my friends and I would go to downtown Manila to watch movies and eat. Nag-eenjoy ako sumabit sa jeep. The wind against your face (hindi pa masyado polluted noon) and the sense of danger I experienced at that young age.

This is the reason why the issue of the jeepney modernization program is not just an economic or even a political issue. For many—the drivers, operators, the riding public—it is deeply cultural and personal.

Some years back, the government launched the modernization program which has a noble aim: to modernize our transportation system by making them more efficient, safer and environmentally sustainable. Unfortunately, this involved phasing out old and dilapidated public utility vehicles, including the jeepneys. But the objective was very good. Modern transport systems are the backbone of successful economies, they are the lifelines of cities and regions, and provide important economic and social factors. Just look at Singapore, Hong Kong and Japan. Modernizing the Philippine transport system means moving more people faster. It also means developing sustainable solutions that are clean, resource efficient, safe and affordable.

Fast forward to today when transport groups held a nationwide strike to protest the jeepney phaseout and decry the implementation of the modernization program. Thanks to President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr., that strike was averted when he promised to review the program and its implementation.

I was impressed by the way President Bongbong handled this crisis. Since the campaign in 2022, he has consistently placed transportation and infrastructure as critical elements of his economic blueprint. He said: “I assure the Filipino people that the government will strive to modernize and improve the country's transportation system. This will be one of the cornerstones of our progress as we move full speed ahead into a brighter tomorrow.

But while he acknowledged the lofty goals of the transport modernization program he also saw the need to make sure that our people are not left behind by the move to phaseout older vehicles. “Ngunit sa pag-aaral ko,” the President explained, “parang hindi maganda ang naging implementation nung modernization.” He added: “May luma naman na maganda pa rin. May luma naman na puwede pang gamitin.” Such wise words from the President!

The President is essentially saying, “this is something we need to do, but we need to do it right.” With the nationwide strike called off, the government needs to sit down and recalibrate its efforts to modernize our transportation. And there is one principle they need to understand.

Change is difficult. People are generally averse to change especially if they are abrupt and if it will completely threaten their livelihood. For this reason, societies and organizations need to plan changes. In business, we have what we call change management. It refers to the actions a business needs to take in order to effect change or adjust a significant component of its organization—technology, company culture, internal processes, corporate hierarchy, and the like. Government needs to understand that they have to guide all stakeholders of the transport sector in the process of modernization. They need to involve everyone who will be affected by this enormous change from the earliest stages of planning down to its execution.

An important part of change management is preparing all sectors that will be affected for the change that is coming. This in turn requires an effective communication strategy for the modernization plan and how it will be implemented. As a first step, perhaps government should stop using the term phaseout. It is so cold and cruel of a term to be using in an emotionally charged discussion.

In business, it is unthinkable for a manager to just show up at a meeting one day and tell everyone that changes will be made. It does not work that way in business and most certainly, in government which deals with public interest. I hope that with the guidance of the President we can finally get this right.

For comments, please send email to: mbv_secretariat@vistaland.com.ph and/or http://www.mannyvillar.com.

Higher gear

Published January 11, 2023, 12:05 AM

by Former Senate President Manny Villar

OF TREES AND FOREST

Former Senate President Manny Villar

As we enter a new year, the administration of President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. endeavored to write a new chapter in Philippine-China relations. In his speech before embarking on a historic trip to Beijing, President Marcos laid out the fundamental objective of his visit: “I will be opening a new chapter in our comprehensive strategic cooperation with China.” He added that his meetings with Chinese President Xi Jinping will shift “the trajectory of our relations to a higher gear” and broaden cooperation between the two countries.

The three-day trip was an important one coming as it was amidst the territorial disputes between the two countries. This is complicated by the deep historical ties we have with the United States which has engaged China in an economic and geopolitical tug of war. The state visit, which came after his visit to the US, was seen by experts as indicator of the shape of things to come as far as bilateral relations between the two countries are concerned. 

The first thing that I was really impressed by was President Marcos’ assertion of our country’s sovereignty. He reported that during his talks with President Xi he expressed his administration’s intention to pursue an independent foreign policy. This was, of course, in line with the Constitutional mandate and an important statement to make at the onset. President Bongbong said: “I emphasized how my administration intends to pursue an independent foreign policy, that we are more than willing to cooperate whenever possible in the pursuit of regional peace and our two countries’ national interest.”
This is the perfect follow up to the theme of President Rodrigo Duterte’s foreign policy direction that also insisted on our sovereignty and the insistence that we be treated as equals in the global community. Sustaining this policy position was very critical not just to the status of the new Chief Diplomat but also the position of our country among the community of nations.

During the meeting between the two leaders, Presidents Marcos and Xi agreed to “appropriately manage differences,” and “reaffirmed the importance of maintaining and promoting peace and stability in the region.” This is a clear and unambiguous statement from the Philippines and China that should set the right direction in our foreign relations. The South China Sea has long been a source of tension between the two countries and in fact in the region. Controversies would periodically flare up sending the two countries into a series of diplomatic protests, denials, and assertions of sovereignty over the disputed territory.

The two leaders also agreed to resume negotiations on joint oil and gas explorations in an effort to revive their economies amid the pandemic downturn and address tensions over the South China Sea.
In addition to these accomplishments, the state visit of President Marcos, Jr. generated an estimated $22.8 billion worth of investment pledges which included $13.76 billion for renewable energy, $7.32 billion for electric vehicles and mineral processing, and $1.72 billion for agriculture.

Some quarters have criticized the frequent travels of the President linking it to extravagance. These critics need to realize that official visits to other countries are important because they are essential tools of economic and political diplomacy. The Presidency has a multitude of responsibilities, some domestic, some global. When a president travels it does not mean that he is neglecting his duties at home. The bureaucracy still functions and with advancements in communications technology, the President can always attend to urgent matters when they arise.

ADVERTISEMENT

And it is not as if these visits are for sightseeing purposes. Malacañang reported that in his first six months in office, President Marcos’ visits to Indonesia, Singapore, the US, Cambodia and Thailand have generated a total of $23.6 billion in investment pledges. I have been to numerous visits during the term of President Duterte and I can tell you that they are no picnics. The delegations have hectic schedules and meetings with counterparts and more importantly, with the Filipino community in the host country.

The first months of his presidency has demonstrated President Marcos’ knowledge of statecraft. He understands that the requirements of good governance include building a healthy and productive relations with allies. And so rather than baseless criticisms, we should instead give our chief diplomat the support he needs to be successful in foreign relations.

For comments, please send email to: mbv_secretariat@vistaland.com.ph and/or http://www.mannyvillar.com.

Diplomatic balancing

by Former Senate President Manny Villar

OF TREES AND FOREST

Last Sunday, Sept. 4, President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. left the country to embark on his first ever state visit as the Philippines’ chief diplomat. Or, as he mentioned in his departure speech “mangangapitbahay muna para sa ating bansa at para sa ating ekonomiya.” His first overseas trip will bring him to Indonesia and then to Singapore. And then, as I understand it from the announcement of the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), PBBM will also fly to New York to speak before the United Nations General Assembly.

These are very important foreign trips for the President and for the country not just because these will set the tone of the foreign policy directions of this administration but also because it will allow the country to strengthen ties in the region as we collectively face the challenges facing the world.

Just like his predecessor, former President Rodrigo Duterte, President Bongbong has chosen to visit our allies in the Southeast Asian region. As the DFA pointed out, this is important because as “close neighbors and founding members of ASEAN, the Philippines enjoys active engagement with both Indonesia and Singapore in terms of myriad areas including security and defense, trade and investment, people-to-people exchanges and more.”

The President is expected to meet Indonesian President Joko Widodo as well as Singaporean President Halimah Yacob and Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong. I am sure that while many geopolitical issues will be discussed, President Bongbong will emphasize the need to protect the welfare of Filipinos working in these two countries. These foreign trips are good opportunities to strengthen bilateral efforts to protect our OFWs worldwide.

In fact, based on statements made by the DFA, Presidents Marcos, Jr., and Widodo are scheduled to discuss the case of long-detained overseas Filipino worker Mary Jane Veloso who has been on death row for over 12 years in Indonesia.

These state visits will also provide an opportunity for the President and his economic team to strengthen economic cooperation and promote the country as an investment destination. I am certain that the business delegation will meet with various business groups in Indonesia and Singapore in order to entice them to do business in the country.

Geopolitical issues will, of course, be the centerpiece of the visit. There are two items in the agenda that I think are very crucial: the West Philippine Sea conflict and counterterrorism. According to the foreign affairs department, there will clearly be discussions on key regional issues of mutual interest, including the West Philippine Sea or South China Sea issue, cognizant that all three countries actually have the common goal to maintain peace and stability and prevent incidents in this particular part of the world.

This visit will give us the first clear indication of how President Marcos, Jr. intends the handle this geopolitical landmine that has been hanging like Damocles’ sword in the region. I find it interesting that PBBM seems to be cautiously balancing the benefits of strong relations not just with China but also the United States. In early July, China’s top diplomat, Wang Yi, became the first foreign envoy to visit to the Philippines under the new Marcos presidency. And now, in late September. PBBM will visit the US first via his trip to the UNGA.

The President has emphasized the need to strengthen bilateral relations with Beijing but he also insisted on avoiding a myopic view of this relations: “One of the ways I’ve consistently suggested is that we have our relationship not only on one dimension, not just all about the West Philippine Sea. Let’s add to that – cultural exchanges, educational exchanges, even military if that will be useful.” In other words, the Manila-Beijing historic ties go beyond the conflict. The imperative of course is how to work around this controversy so both countries work on economic and cultural ties.

This is going to be a diplomatic balancing act for President Marcos, Jr. that will test his diplomatic and political skills. I have no doubt that the President will pass this test with flying colors. He has demonstrated his deep understanding of foreign policy issues but more importantly, he has proven that the overriding factor shaping his foreign policy is the national interest.

Simple joys

by Former Senate President Manny Villar

OF TREES AND FOREST

Sometimes we tend to complicate life. We work so hard looking for things we do not have and ignore those that we actually have. I understand why some people look for happiness by acquiring wealth and material possessions. As a young boy living in poverty in Tondo, I realized early on the joy in earning money to be able to provide for your family. Years later, as an entrepreneur, I gained an appreciation of the pride of having to create wealth through hard work and perseverance.

But even as our modern world becomes even more complicated, sometimes it is the simple things in life that bring us genuine happiness. When we get lost in the hustle and bustle of life we tend to forget the mundane, the pedestrian, the repetitious stuff in life. That is why I make it a point to appreciate the simple things in my life even when things in business become confusing. As a matter of fact, I think it is when things get muddled when we really need to decompress by focusing on our simple joys.

Just like my two apos, Emma and Tristan, trying on their school uniforms as they prepare for their first day in school. It’s the cutest thing. I have forgotten the joy of this experience since my kids are now adults. It brought back bittersweet memories of when Cynthia and I watched Camille, Mark, and Paolo leave our nest for the first time. Emma and Tristan’s experience is amplified by the fact that face-to-face classes have been suspended ever since the pandemic. I would want them to stay home so I can always play with them but they need to go out there and have fun, learn, and socialize with others.

Another simple joy arrived last week in the form of mooncake from my friend James who never forgets to send me these yummy treats around the time of the Mid-Autumn Festival. I just enjoy eating its sweet paste inside and the soft crumbly crust outside. I would wash it down with hot coffee and my day just got better.

I also love those short alone time that I get in between my marathon meetings. Usually I would have a series of meetings in one day. As my readers probably know by now, I love to hold these meetings in coffee shops instead of the usual meeting rooms. Sometimes it gets so busy, the next person I am meeting would be sitting down as my previous appointment is just about to rise from his seat. But I get those gaps in between meetings when I am just alone sitting sipping my coffee and staring blankly into space for just a few seconds. Call me crazy but I just enjoy those moments.

It is similar to watching the rain fall hard on my garden at home. Nowadays, there are times when I would hold my meetings online so I just stay home. And with the rainy season, I often find myself in the middle of a downpour as I listen to reports via Zoom. I like those moments when all you hear is the sound of raindrops falling on the leaves of the plants in our garden and that unique earthy smell you get when rain hits the ground for the first time.

I also enjoy waking up early in the morning, getting my workout in, showering, and sitting outside with my papers and coffee, and seeing the sun shining through the trees and plants. It’s not always the same pattern but I like seeing the scattered light that filters through in the morning. Most people now wake up and immediately look at their phone. Not for me. This is the view that I take in every morning.

I guess these musings that I have about the simple pleasures in life are unimportant to some. And I get it. Sometimes we face so many difficulties in life that we say, “Who has time for these things?” But that is precisely my point. Our hard work and persistence only become meaningful if we enjoy life. There is no point in working for a living if we do not actually appreciate the “living” part. So, decompress once in awhile. Look around you and see the simplest of things that make you smile, that make it all worthwhile.

For comments, please send email to: mbv_secretariat@vistaland.com.ph and/or http://www.mannyvillar.com.