PCO to launch Bagong Pilipinas digibox

MANILA, Philippines — As the Philippines switches from analog to digital terrestrial broadcasting this year, the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) will launch the “Bagong Pilipinas” digibox to ease the transition for Filipinos who still have their analog televisions.

Speaking during the “Bagong Pilipinas” campaign kickoff rally in Manila yesterday, PCO Secretary Cheloy Garafil said television sets in Metro Manila would no longer be able to detect analog signals starting this year.

“They won’t be able to use their television sets anymore unless they switch to digital,” Garafil said.

“Since we will transition from analog to digital, we know that not everyone can buy digital TVs. So, we in the PCO will launch the Bagong Pilipinas digibox,” she added.

Garafil said users who switch to digital television would enjoy more channels and a clearer reception.

The digibox is named after the Marcos administration’s governance branding, and Garafil said her agency would roll out free digiboxes starting this year.

“Aside from having many channels and a clear reception, it also has additional features like an early warning device channel. Just in case there is a typhoon or a calamity or an emergency, our countrymen will have an early warning and they can prepare,” the Cabinet official said.

PCO, the government’s lead communication arm, distributed 1,000 digiboxes during yesterday’s rally.

The National Telecommunication Commission has urged Filipinos to switch to a digital television service, saying it would provide them with a better viewing experience and early warning broadcasts in times of disasters.

Networks are required to broadcast their analog and digital signals simultaneously to continue serving those who still use analog televisions while the country is preparing to transition to digital.

In a recent statement, the PCO said as much as 83 percent of households are now receiving digital TV signal or reception.

Only less than a million households are relying solely on analog TV, the agency added.