By Daniel P. Tapaoan, Jr.

The People’s Television Network, Inc. (PTNI) has tied up with the Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU) to establish the People’s Television Network (PTV) in Ilocos Norte this year. 

The government-run network and the university have agreed to pool their resources to launch PTV-Ilocos Norte through the installation of broadcast facilities, infrastructure and equipment. 

This partnership was formalized through a memorandum of agreement (MOA) signed by PTNI General Manager Katherine Chloe S. De Castro and MMSU President Shirley C. Agrupis in a ceremony held at Teatro Ilocandia today, May 12. 

In the agreement, MMSU allows the PTNI to build its one kilowatt digital and analog transmitters, construct broadcast tower, and install equipment in the university’s 500 square meter property in barangay Payao, City of Batac. 

Meanwhile, the broadcast network will air significant MMSU events, giving the University a 30-minute weekly airtime. Also, it will disseminate news in the province. 

Moreover, the PTNI will allow MMSU to install an information and communication technology equipment in the tower for the implementation of the latter’s smart campus development plans. This includes the installation of a wireless bridge (point-to-point radio) to connect two or more locations together.

The university can also send its students to undertake their on-the-job training at PTV Ilocos Norte. 

De Castro said the PTV Ilocos Norte will reach a minimum of 400,000 people in Ilocos Norte and in the nearby provinces of Ilocos Sur, Abra, and Apayao.

“With this partnership, we are able to deliver the news that really matters to the entire nation, as well as the government efforts in the national and local levels,” she expressed, emphasizing that PTV takes into heart its mantra, “Para sa Bayan.”

She hopes the installation of the broadcast transmitter in Batac will be done at the end of the year so that the station can start operating by April 2022. 

For her part, President Agrupis considers the partnership as another big step for MMSU. She said the establishment of PTV Ilocos Norte will benefit the university, particularly in reaching the communities, advocating its innovations, and training its students. 

“We signify our commitment to the provisions in the agreement, and we can even go beyond that,” Dr. Agrupis said. 

Established on February 2, 1974, the PTNI has become one of the country’s premier sources of government news and information. Its operation is mandated by virtue of Republic Act 7306, as amended by RA 10390. (StratCom)