The Philippine government plans to distribute free Bagong Pilipinas Digibox in 2024 to aid those who cannot afford new digital TV receivers.
This government's latest project of releasing a new digital terrestrial television (DTV) set-top box was revealed during the "Bagong Pilipinas" kick-off rally at the Quirino Grandstand in Luneta, Manila, on January 28. Bagong Pilipinas (New Philippines) is the campaign rally of the presidency and administration of Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. (PBBM or BBM), which focuses on an all-inclusive plan for economic and social transformation.
According to Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Secretary Cheloy Velicaria-Garafil, the PCO will roll out this year free 'Bagong Pilipinas' Digibox intended for those who cannot afford to buy new digital TV receivers as the country transitions from analog broadcast to digital.
Garafil said:
Since magta-transition tayo from analog to digital at alam naman natin na hindi naman lahat makakabili ng digital TV. So naisip namin sa PCO— ano ang bago? Maglulunsad kami ng Bagong Pilipinas Digibox. [Since we will be transitioning from analog to digital and we know that not everyone can buy a digital TV. So we thought at PCO— what's new? We will launch the Bagong Pilipinas Digibox.]
The distribution initially began with 1000 Bagong Pilipinas Digibox units being given out during the rally. However, Garafil did not provide further details on the number of free digital TV boxes to be rolled out this year or if the 'Bagong Pilipinas' digiboxes will be sold in stores.
Garafil explained that transitioning from analog to digital allows for new features and better programming, as well as emergency and early warning capabilities:
Kailangang-kailangan natin kasi itong mga digital television, mas marami silang channel at mas maganda ang reception. [We absolutely need these digital televisions; they have more channels and better reception.] May early warning channel siya. Para just in case may mga bagyo, may mga kalamidad, at ibang emergency magkakaroon ng early warning sa ating mga kababayan para makapaghanda sila. [It has an early warning channel. Just in case there are typhoons, calamities, and other emergencies, there will be an early warning to our countrymen so they can prepare.]
The Philippines is making the switch from analog to digital terrestrial television in 2024. The analog shutdown will begin in the National Capital Region/Metro Manila, where TV stations will shut down their analog transmissions by the end of the year.
According to the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC), the NCR currently boasts the highest digital TV penetration in the country, with 82% of households having switched to DTV.
With Bagong Pilipinas Digibox, the Philippine government will be joining the likes of GMA Affordabox, TV5 Sulit TV, Baron Digital TV receiver, and ABS-CBN TVplus.
0 Comments