Marawi City, April 30, 2025 — In a historic moment for Lanao del Sur and the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), the People’s Television (PTV) Marawi Regional Center was officially inaugurated today within the Provincial Capitol Compound. More than just a broadcast facility, the center symbolizes resilience, inclusive communication, and the enduring collaboration between national and local stakeholders in the region’s post-siege rebuilding efforts.
Graced by key leaders including Lanao del Sur Governor Mamintal “Bombit” Alonto Adiong Jr., Vice Governor Mohammad Khalid “Mujam” Raki-in Adiong, Marawi City Mayor Majul Gandamra, PTV General Manager Atty. Robert Doller, and other dignitaries from civil society organizations, line agencies, and the security sector, the ceremony marked the culmination of years of determined effort.
In his message, Governor Adiong expressed pride in the realization of a vision that began in 2018. “It is a great honor for me, as the Governor of Lanao del Sur, to participate in the historic inauguration of the PTV Marawi Regional Center. This is a milestone for our province—not only in the realm of media and communication but also in providing a broader platform for the voices of the people of Lanao del Sur and the entire Bangsamoro region to be heard,” he said.
The center’s roots trace back to the aftermath of the Marawi siege in 2018, when then-Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Director General Harold Clavite initiated discussions with Provincial Information Officer Salma Jayne Tamano. Their shared goal: to establish a reliable public broadcasting outlet in Marawi City. Support swiftly followed from then-Vice Governor Bombit Adiong, who provided space inside the Provincial Capitol for the proposed station.
A formal Memorandum of Agreement was signed between People’s Television Network, Inc. (PTNI) and the Provincial Government of Lanao del Sur, ensuring cooperation in the construction and operation of the station. Under the agreement, the provincial government would also receive free weekly airtime to share public updates and cultural content.
Construction of the facility began in 2022 and was overseen by the Provincial Information Office under Tamano’s leadership, with the support of Norfridah Malawani. The team worked closely with national agencies to align the project with the region’s unique communication needs.
Now operational, the PTV Marawi Regional Center is equipped with state-of-the-art broadcast technology and is capable of airing programs not only within BARMM, but also across wider Mindanao and even to national audiences. The programming aims to go beyond traditional news, featuring local stories, cultural heritage, and content that reflects the identity of the Maranao people and neighboring communities.
Vice Governor Mujam Adiong lauded the center’s potential to counter misinformation. “This development will help combat fake news and unverified information,” he said in his welcome remarks.
The launch featured an audio-visual presentation narrating the station’s journey, with a voice-over by Alliah Lucman, the Provincial Gender and Development Focal Person—highlighting the inclusive, community-driven spirit of the project. A recorded message of support from 1st District Representative Ziaur-Rahman “Zia” Alonto Adiong was also played for the attendees.
With the PTV Marawi Regional Center now standing as a beacon of progress and transparency, it promises to serve as a vital platform for truth, cultural expression, and regional development—giving Mindanao, especially the Bangsamoro region, a stronger voice in the national narrative.