News-and-Rescue Team of UNTV Offers Thanksgiving as it Celebrates 4th Anniversary

On its fourth year of serving God and the Filipino people, Church members who are part of UNTV’s News and Rescue Team offered the sacrifice of thanksgiving to God last July 26 at the ADD Convention Center in Apalit Pampanga.

News-and-rescue as a journalism advocacy of UNTV is a brainchild of Bro. Daniel Razon who is Chairman and CEO of Breakthrough and Milestones Productions International (BMPI), the content provider for UNTV.

Bro. Daniel is Vice-Presiding Minister to Members Church of God International (MCGI).

A First in Philippine Broadcast History

Locally-known as “Tulong Muna Bago Balita,” Rescue First, Report Later is an advocacy that aims to prioritize life saving over the business of reporting of news. The journalism brand was introduced since 2010.

“More than anything else, our fellowmen are much more important than our reporting,” said Bro. Razon during the unveiling of the Rescue First, Report Later back in 2010 during UNTV’s sixth anniversary celebration.

“It doesn’t matter if they get the first scoop, at least we were able to save a life of someone in need,” remarked Bro. Razon.

While most media networks consider breaking news a priority for ratings, UNTV’s news-and-rescue was more cause-oriented. With “Tulong Muna Bago Balita”, the station hopes change the way news are delivered by incorporating humanitarian approach in media reporting.

“It’s a hard thing to do by [other] media entities,” explained UNTV news-and-rescue team member Angelo Dela Paz. “They [other media outlets] find it difficult to prioritize lives over their reporting,” added Dela Paz.

Four Years of Consistent Public Service

For the past four years, UNTV’s News and Rescue has been continuously providing immediate help to emergencies and accidents on the road. Their life-saving missions include giving response to disaster situations brought about by typhoons and other calamities.

As part of its campaign to raise awareness about its importance, the news-and-rescue team expanded its rescue training and disaster preparedness seminars. Apart from giving trainings to all UNTV staff members and volunteers for the past year, the news-and-rescue department has also offered these trainings for youth groups and baranggay officials nationwide.

The Tulong Muna Bago Balita team uses state-of-the-art equipments like all-terrain/amphibian vehicles and rescue trucks. Their recent acquisition of CAFS-utilizing (Compressed Air Foam System) firetrucks has also helped the UNTV Fire Brigade in responding to fire emergencies more efficiently.

News-and-rescue assistance are offered to all, regardless of race or religion. One of its more recent responses was during the State of the Nation Address at the Batasang Pambansa Complex, giving an injured cameraman from another network medical assistance.

(Written by Yanna Faye Ferrera
)