MANILA, Philippines — In response to Commission on Higher Education (CHED) commissioner Ronald Adamat’s letter sent to ABS-CBN President Karlo Katigbak on the network’s new show “Bagani,” the network released a statement sent to Philstar.com on March 5.
According to the statement, “The concept of ABS-CBN’s new fantaserye ‘Bagani’ is to feature warriors, protectors and heroes who espouse Filipino values and beliefs.”
As a response to Adamat’s accusation that “Bagani” is “devoid of real meaning and substance,” ABS-CBN said in the statement that the show’s production team “did intensive research to determine a distinctly Filipino term that embodies a champion who fights for the common good of his tribe or family — somebody who is brave, honorable, self-sacrificing and good-hearted.”
The commissioner claimed the series might be promoting “half-truths and lies that destroy and negate the essence” of the Indigenous People’s (IPs) terminology, “bagani.”
But according to the TV station, the show’s production team “recognized that the term and concept of a ‘Bagani’ best solidifies the traits that the program wants to highlight.”
“With all due respect, the use of ‘Bagani’ is not in any way intended to malign or to disrespect beliefs of the Indigenous Peoples’ communities, but instead hopes to propagate the values, morals, and ethics that are inherent in a ‘Bagani’— a Filipino warrior, protector, and hero,” the network explained.
Regarding Adamat’s recommendation to make the show more “educational,” and historically and culturally accurate, ABS-CBN clarified that “Bagani” “does not purport itself to be a historical account of Philippine history or culture.”
“The program has always maintained that it has created an alternative fictional universe with elements of Filipino mythology and folklore that simply serves as an avenue to creatively deliver and highlight Filipino values, beliefs, and heroism.”
“Bagani” airs on weeknights and stars Enrique Gil, Liza Soberano, Matteo Guidicelli, Makisig Morales and Sofia Andres.
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