The Philippines’ flagship government television network will soon be airing shows that will promote Chinese history and culture.

People’s Television Network (PTV), operated by the Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO), will soon be airing Chinese language television series, documentaries, cartoons and movies that will be dubbed in Tagalog.

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The new foreign programming was introduced on Wednesday during the inauguration of “China TV Theatre” at the New World Hotel in Makati City.

This is the first time that Chinese language television shows would be aired over the country’s state-run television network.

Zhao Jianhua, Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines, said he would rather call the newly-introduced Chinese programming on PTV “DreamWorks made in China.”

“A new window is opened to millions of people in the Philippines to better understand China, its people, their long history, their rich culture, their daily lives, their endeavor and their dreams,” Zhao said during the inauguration ceremony.

Filipinos, Zhao said, could now share stories “about how (China’s) reform and opening up in the past 40 years have helped realize a steady economic growth of China and better off the [well-being] of its people.”

“Reform and opening up really represented a strategic move to mobilize each and every Chinese striving for his or her personal happiness, for his or her family welfare, and for his or her national development. This is known as the ‘Chinese Dream,’” Zhao said.

“Please stay assured, in this grand cause, China was, is and will always be standing together with the Philippines as friend and partner, in realizing the Dream of the Philippines,” he added.

Martin Andanar, Secretary of the PCOO, and Ma Li, Director General of the International Cooperation Department of Chinese State Administration of Radio and Television, were present during the inauguration.

As the state-run television network, PTV was mandated to “develop the broadcasting industry as a medium for the development, promotion and advancement of Filipino nationalism, culture and values that serve as an instrument in the struggle for Filipino sovereignty, identity, national unity and integration.”

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This was stated in the implementing rules and regulations of Republic Act No. 10390, otherwise known as an “An Act Revitalizing the People’s Television Network, Incorporated.” /muf/ac

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