What Is 24 Oras Western Visayas

Overview

24 Oras Western Visayas is a flagship regional newscast produced by GMA Regional TV, delivering localized news coverage to viewers across Western Visayas. It focuses on current events, public service, and community stories from the provinces of Iloilo, Capiz, Aklan, Antique, and Guimaras.

The newscast was developed to address the need for hyperlocal reporting in a region rich in cultural heritage and economic activity. By broadcasting in Filipino and local dialects, it ensures accessibility and relevance to diverse audiences.

• Launch date: The program premiered on March 5, 2012, marking GMA Network's commitment to regional news expansion.
• Broadcast area: It serves Region 6, commonly known as Western Visayas, which includes five provinces and a highly urbanized city.
• Studio location: The newscast originates from the GMA Iloilo Studio in Mandurriao, Iloilo City, a key media hub in the region.
• Anchor team: Prominent journalists such as Atty. Raffy Enriquez and Vanessa Echavez have led coverage over the years.
• Viewership reach: The program reaches over 1.2 million households weekly via free-to-air television and online streaming.

How It Works

The production of 24 Oras Western Visayas combines field reporting, studio anchoring, and digital integration to deliver timely and accurate news. Journalists across the region contribute stories, which are curated and broadcast daily.

• News Gathering: Reporters from five provincial bureaus file daily updates on politics, disasters, and human interest stories.
• Production Schedule: The team follows a daily news cycle, with story selection beginning at 9:00 AM and final edits by 6:00 PM.
• Broadcast Platform: Aired on GMA-7 Iloilo and streamed on GMA Regional TV’s Facebook page for wider digital reach.
• Language Use: Primarily in Filipino, with occasional use of Hiligaynon for community segments.
• Public Service: Features segments like 'Sakto sa Serbisyo', which connects citizens with government assistance programs.
• Emergency Coverage: Activates special reports during typhoons, with live updates from affected areas like Roxas City and Kalibo.

Comparison at a Glance

The following table compares 24 Oras Western Visayas with other regional newscasts in the Philippines:

While 24 Oras Western Visayas launched later than some competitors, its integration with GMA’s national brand has helped it maintain strong viewership. The program competes directly with One Western Visayas from GMA’s rival network, but differentiates through deeper investigative reporting and emergency response coverage.

Why It Matters

24 Oras Western Visayas plays a vital role in informing, educating, and connecting communities across a geographically dispersed region. Its consistent reporting strengthens democratic engagement and disaster preparedness.

• Local Accountability: Investigative reports have led to official investigations into local government anomalies in Antique and Capiz.
• Disaster Resilience: During Typhoon Rosing (2013) and Typhoon Odette (2021), the program provided life-saving updates.
• Cultural Visibility: Features stories on Ati-Atihan and Dinagyang festivals, promoting regional heritage.
• Public Engagement: Interactive segments like 'Bahal Na Bala' encourage citizen feedback and civic participation.
• Economic Impact: Small businesses in Iloilo and Aklan gain exposure through feature segments on tourism and agriculture.
• Media Trust: Maintains a trust rating of 78% among regional viewers according to 2022 KBP survey data.

As regional media continues to evolve, 24 Oras Western Visayas remains a cornerstone of reliable, community-focused journalism in the Visayas, bridging information gaps and amplifying local voices.