Gov't satellite network to be launched in SONA - Andanar

PCOO Sec martin Andanar delivers keynote address as guest of honor during the celebration of the 149th birth anniversary od Dr. Pio Valenzuela. (Photo by Nelson Ortiz)

VALENZUELA CITY, July 12 (PIA)--Presidential Communications Secretary Martin Andanar on Wednesday announced the launching of a "Government Satellite Network" (GSN) on the day of the President's State of the Nation Address, which will be implemented by the Presidential Communications and Operations Office.

In a press conference Wednesday at the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Valenzuela, Andanar said the GSN will be the government's tool for transmission of information via video, audio, and satellite internet connectivity across the country, especially to remote areas, using advance satellite and Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) technology.

"Marami po tayong barangay sa labas ng Metro Manila, na hindi po nararating ng mobile communications, at wala rin pong television at internet, so ito pong Government Satellite Network na ilulunsad natin sa darating na State of the Nation Address ng Pangulong Duterte ay magiging isa sa mga solusyon para mai-connect natin ang ating pamahalaan sa mga kanayunan, sa mga purok, sa mga barangay sa pamamagitan ng satellite," Andanar said.

He also described the satellite technology as being able to carry multiple TV channels and provide two-way or multiple 4K tele-conference communication, in addition to internet delivery.

"Magkakaroon po ng iba't ibang channels, meron pong People’s Television Network, Radyo Pilipinas, [weather bureau] PAGASA Channel, DILG [Channel], in fact, gusto po ni Mayor Rex Gatchalian na magkaroon din po ng Valenzuela Channel. Kasi marami po ang [channel allocation] pagdating sa satellite television," he added.

He said continuous efforts are being made to improve the government’s media presence and make it on par with the leading private media entities in the country.

Prior to the press conference, Andanar attended the celebration of the 149th birth anniversary of Dr. Pio Valenzuela held at the City Hall of Valenzuela as guest of honor.

In his keynote address, he dedicated the project in honor of Dr. Pio Valenzuela, saying that the local hero’s contribution to the Katipunan’s communications strategies.

"I am dedicating the Government Satellite Network Project to Dr. Pio Valenzuela,  siguro siya po talaga ang father of public information officers sa bansa," he added.

Historian Professor Xiao Chua, who also attended the event, described the Valenzuela hero as the public information officer and communications strategist of "Pangulong Andres Bonifacio" during the revolutionary period.

Chua said at the height of the revolution, Valenzuela founded and published the "Kalayaan," a patriotic organ, which inspired Filipinos and helped increase the Katipunan membership.  (PIA-NCR)