Luchi Cruz-Valdes retires from TV5

MANILA, Philippines — Luchi Cruz-Valdes has retired after 15 years of service as the head of TV5’s news organization, News5. 

In recognition of her achievements, the TV5 Management, led by President and CEO Guido R. Zaballero, held a tribute assembly for her at the TV5 Media Center Studio 6 in Reliance, Mandaluyong.

Since 2010, Luchi’s accomplishments include groundbreaking initiatives, such as the 360/News5 Everywhere digital platform and the FM radio news channel Radyo5 92.3 True FM. She also introduced the 24/7 Filipino News Channel, AksyonTV, and played a key role in developing Cignal TV’s premium news channel, One News.

With Luchi at the helm, News5 provided comprehensive coverage of three presidential elections, each time partnering with PLDT and Smart Communications to harness cutting-edge technology that enhanced its reportage. She moderated the 2016 presidential debate, which remains one of the important turning points of that electoral contest.

Earlier this year, Luchi received the Best TV Public Affairs Program Host award at the 12th Makatao Awards for Media Excellence of People Management Association of the Philippines (PMAP).

The seasoned broadcast journalist was the co-host of Cheche Lazaro in the documentary series "The Probe Team." 

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