GMA Integrated News reinforces its commitment to being the “News Authority ng Filipino” with the official launch of GMA Integrated News Weather Center and the announcement of its new weather presenters in a contract signing held last June 13.
The new weather presenters are Maureen Schrijvers, Katrina Son, Amor Larrosa, and Anjo Pertierra.
GMA Chairman and CEO Atty. Felipe L. Gozon commended GMA Integrated News for its dedication to innovate while staying true to the tenets of journalism.
“In the span of six months, GMA Integrated News has evolved into a dynamic multi-platform mega news organization with the integration of GMA News Manila, GMA Regional TV, GMA News Online, and Super Radyo DZBB – strengthening its position as the ‘News Authority ng Filipino.’ Kaya naman buong puso kong binabati ang GMA Integrated News at ang lahat ng taong bumubuo nito sa pagkakaroon ng mas pinagtibay at pinalakas pang paghahatid ng weather news reports sa pamamagitan ng GMA Integrated News Weather Center,” Atty. Gozon said.
He further underscored the importance of delivering weather updates – a responsibility that GMA Network takes on as the country’s leading media organization.
“With weather news being an integral part of our daily lives, GMA Network continues to put premium on our weather news reports and coverage, encouraging innovations amid the ever-changing broadcast media landscape,” he added.
He likewise welcomed the new weather presenters who will be part of the GMA Integrated News Weather Center.
He said, “We are glad to have you as part of our GMA Integrated News Weather Center, maasahan, ano man ang panahon. Congratulations sa inyong lahat!”
The unveiling of the improved GMA Integrated News Weather Center was led by Senior Vice President and Head of GMA Integrated News, Regional TV, and Synergy Oliver Victor Amoroso.
Joining him in the contract signing of the weather presenters were GMA Network Senior Vice President for Programming, Talent Management, Worldwide, and Support Group, and President and CEO of GMA Network Films, Inc. Atty. Annette Gozon-Valdes; First Vice President for Public Affairs Nessa Valdellon; and Virtual Playground CEO Charlie Dy and General Manager Mark Salamat.
A national athlete and a SEAGames Silver medalist, Maureen is set to deliver weather news and updates in the Network’s flagship newscast “24 Oras.”
“Sa training, napaka importante talaga ng lagay ng panahon especially for an outdoor sport,” said Maureen, who finished 4th place in the Women’s 400m athletics event at the 32nd Southeast Asian Games last May. Her team also took home the Silver Medal in the Women’s 4×400 Meter Relay.
“Being an athlete, I am very competitive and I like knowing and being the best in what I do. So noong nalaman ko na ‘yung opening was for weather, inaral ko talaga siya. Ngayon na magsisimula na ako as a weather presenter, what I’m most excited to do is make it more fun, make it more interesting to everyone, and make it more relatable,” added Maureen.
Anjo, a professional volleyball player and sportscaster, he will deliver weather news and updates in “Unang Hirit.”
“Being a weather presenter para sa GMA Integrated News is something new for me. And alam kong may magandang dulot s’ya not just for myself but for everyone, especially sa mga Kapuso natin. Weather presenting is the hardest thing I’ve done so far. Kailangan mo siyang aralin, hindi pwedeng basta binabasa mo lang s’ya. Kaya nga noong nag training kami sa PAG-ASA, ang dami kong nalaman sa weather,” Anjo shared.
As the newest addition to the UH barkada, Anjo looks forward to helping viewers plan their day by giving them weather updates. “Unang-una, ibibigay ko po sa inyo ‘yung energy na hinahanap natin sa umaga kasi kailangan pag gising natin good vibes lang kasi kung ano yung unang makikita natin at unang mararamdaman natin pag gising sa umaga madadala natin the whole day.”
Katrina is no stranger to news, being one of GMA Integrated News’ senior correspondents. She will be weather presenter in GTV’s midday newscast, “Balitanghali.”
“Isang dekada na akong senior news correspondent ng GMA Integrated News. Pag nagko-cover ako ang binibigay sa aking assignment bagyo so yung mga crew naging tukso-tuksuhan na nila, ‘uy beat nyan, bagyo beat,’ Katrina said.
From one typhoon to another, Katrina’s understanding of how important weather news grew deeper. “[Pero] Dahil sa pagko-cover ko sa iba’t ibang mga bagyo na ‘yun, marami rin akong natutunan, nakita ko first-hand yung devastation na maaaring idulot ng bagyo. As a weather presenter, maaasahan ng publiko na hindi ko lang babasahin yung weather news dahil na-experience ko po first hand yung mga bagyo at dahil sa mga experience ko na po na iyon ay mas maihahatid ko po sa inyo ‘yung balita [nang] tama at tapat,” she added.
Meanwhile, from working behind the camera as GMA Integrated News weather producer, Amor takes a new role as weather presenter for “Saksi” and GTV’s “State of the Nation.”
“Iba yung fulfillment na nabibigay sa akin na alam ko sa sarili ko na kahit sa pinakasimpleng paraan lang nagkaroon ako ng way para matulungan ‘yung mga kababayan natin. Napaka importante na maiparating natin sa kanila kung ano nga ba yung mga dapat nilang malaman tungkol sa lagay ng ating panahon. Ano ba ‘yung mga dapat paghandaan at papano sila makakapaghanda doon sa risk na dala ng paparating na bagyo?” says Amor.
Amor hopes to make weather news closer to viewers. “Ito ‘yung gusto kong maging role ko dito sa GMA Integrated News Weather Center as weather presenter: iyong mailapit at mapadali ‘yung pagbibigay natin ng weather information sa ating mga Kapuso.”
Also present during the unveiling and contract signing were GMA Integrated News Consultant Grace Dela Peña-Reyes; VP and Deputy Head for Programs and Specials Michelle Seva; SAVP and Deputy Head for Digital News John Manalastas; SAVP and Deputy Head for Synergy Marivic Araneta; Asst. VP John Ray Arrabe; Asst. VP and Deputy Head for News Operations Queenie Dimapawi; GMA Integrated News Weather Center Team Leader Tonio Magsumbol; and the GMA Integrated News Cluster Heads and Program Managers.
Also in attendance were Vice President for Public Affairs Arlene Carnay; Vice President for Sparkle Artist Center Joy Marcelo; and Asst. VP for Corporate Communications, Jojo Aquio.
