Imagine a space where content creators, podcasters, and journalists can produce professional-quality material without spending a peso on equipment or editing services—that space now exists in the Visayas.
Bagong Pilipinas Studios Visayas officially soft-launched on December 12 in Barangay Subangdaku, Mandaue City, opening its doors to media practitioners and content creators across the region. Operated by the Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO), the facility aims to support the growing demand for high-quality digital content.
Trisha Mae Apa-ap, operations head of the studio, said the soft launch marks the start of expanded access for creators who have been quietly using the facility since September. She noted that the studio was built for today’s evolving media landscape, where independent content producers now generate coverage on par with mainstream outlets.
Quoting PCOO Undersecretary for Content Production Gerald R. Baria, Apa-ap said the hub is meant to help creators produce “quality content, especially here in the Visayas.”
Free Equipment and Editing Support
The studio is open to all media practitioners and creators, subject to reservation and schedule availability. Currently, two bookings per day are accepted, with the possibility of increasing to four as staffing grows.
All equipment—including cameras, microphones, and technical support—is provided at no cost. Video and audio editing services are also free, while guests only need to bring their content topics. Those who wish to edit their own material must bring a storage device with at least 1TB capacity.
Apa-ap emphasized that creators retain full control over their content. “We don’t do censorship here. All content is yours, as long as it avoids backlash,” she said.
Facilities and Booking Details
The Bagong Pilipinas Studios Visayas houses four podcast studios with six sets, a multipurpose studio, a broadcast studio, a newsroom, and a press briefing room that will also be used for visits by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
Operating hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., with a maximum booking time of two hours per guest. Reservations require checking availability and submitting a project brief detailing the planned content and guest information.
First Hub Outside Luzon
This is the first Bagong Pilipinas studio outside Luzon. The original Mandaluyong City facility has been operational for over a year.
The P300 million Visayas Media Hub was inaugurated on February 24, 2022, with then-PCOO Secretary Martin Andanar leading the groundbreaking ceremony. (VCL)
