Philippine President Signs Hope Channel Philippines’ Gateway Franchise

MANILA, Philippines -- President Rodrigo R. Duterte signed into law, this April, Hope Channel Philippines’ Gateway UHF Television Broadcasting, Incorporated Franchise granting another 25 years of broadcast life.

Hope Channel Philippines (HCP) is an independent Christian lifestyle television network owned and run by the Seventh-day Adventist Church.

For the past seven years, it has aired shows that give hope, faith and love through its programs on health and living, relationships and community service.

Pastor Jonathan Catolico, HCP president, related how HCP was founded.

“The Seventh-day Adventist Church took the initiative to broadcast the everlasting gospel and established Hope Channel in the world headquarters in 2003. The Adventist Church in the Philippines also saw the need to reach the communities particularly the metropolitan centers. This led to acquiring a franchise, the Gateway UHF Television Broadcasting, Incorporated, in early 2011. Since then, Hope Channel Philippines (HCP) has engaged the broadcast media to reach millions of Filipinos with the message of hope for the soon-coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

HCP’s mission to disseminate the everlasting message was not for immediate baptism, instead, it is an avenue for Filipinos to know the gospel truth. Through the network, many were converted into the faith, most were from the cities and leaders of other faith.

Pastor Joel Sarmiento, Communication Director of North Philippine Union Conference, said, “The renewal of the franchise was a real challenge, as it needed funds and a powerful influence to hasten the process in the legislation. We lacked both, but we have a God who engages people who are committed to advance His work.”

For years, HCP’s stake holders prepared for the renewal of this franchise through the broadcast company’s legal team until the bill was submitted by the Philippine Congress.

Party List’s Aangat Tayo Representative Neil Abayon took the lead in sponsoring the said bill in the House of Representatives. It also went successfully into the House of Senate after the approval in the Lower House.

“What can we say?” said Pastor Catolico.

“We have a more reason to celebrate Hope Channel’s newest achievement. Our opportunity to preach the end-time message through television got a new lease of life. It revitalizes the Church's approach to take the gospel to the people when other evangelism methods don't come close," he concluded.

Indeed, Hope Channel Philippines will continue to give hope to the Filipino people for the next 25 years.