The ABS-CBN network was lauded for its decision to postpone the release of its highly anticipated Christmas Station ID to a later date in light of the recent calamities that have affected the country, such as strong earthquakes and tropical cyclones.
On Thursday, November 6, the Kapamilya network announced that it would move the launch of its Christmas Station ID for 2025, citing the calamities that have affected Filipinos across the country.
It also invited the public to offer donations for those affected, such as money, food and hygiene kits, through its socio-civic arm, the non-profit organization ABS-CBN Foundation.
The network said that the ABS-CBN Foundation has long been a committed public service advocate, to empower communities through its initiatives on disaster management, child rights and development, education, environment and livelihood and social entrepreneurship.
“As one family, let’s work together in providing aid and support to our kababayans in need. Sama-sama tayo sa ano mang hamon, Kapamilya!” the network said in a statement.
The move was praised by Filipinos, who commended the network for its thoughtfulness amid the recent incidents.
“ABS-CBN has always been considering the present condition of the country whenever they are having such milestone events like launching of their world-class CSID [Christmas Station ID]. To give way [to] putting first the help to the needful, especially in times of calamity. This is why I am #KapamilyaForever,” a Facebook user wrote.
“Thank you po. Mahina po kasi signal dito sa amin at wala pa pong kuryente due to Bagyong Tino. Excited na po akong mapakinggan ang CSID niyo po this year,” another Pinoy commented.
“ABS-CBN’s sensitivity and compassion says a lot during these hard times, love it ABS, truly admirable,” different Facebook user wrote.
Some speculated that the network might adjust its Christmas Station ID to reflect the deadly impact of Typhoon Tino in Cebu.
“2009, ‘Star ng Pasko’ was dedicated to ‘Ondoy’ Victims. 2013, ‘Magkasama Tayo sa Kwento ng Pasko’ was originally upbeat, then ginawan nila ng slow version dedicated to ‘Yolanda’ victims So, malamang this year i-a-adjust nila ulit ‘yung theme,” a Facebook user said.
“With the recent calamities and socio-political crisis, what if you make the station ID’s theme like how you have made it noong 2009? Kailangan ulit ng lahat ng uplifting energy,” another commented.
“May isisingit na bağong video related sa baha sa Cebu,” a different Pinoy assumed.
The ABS-CBN Christmas Station ID refers to the network’s annual station identification jingle, produced to celebrate the holiday season.
It is usually released weeks or months before Christmas and features the network’s talents. The Station ID often highlights heartwearming themes in line with the festive season.
ABS-CBN is known for its memorable Christmas Station IDs such as 2009’s “Bro, Ikaw Ang Star ng Pasko,” 2015’s “Thank You For the Love” and 2019’s “Family is Forever.”
Incidents
The latest calamity in the country affects the Cebu province, which was the most affected by the wrath of Typhoon Tino that passed through the Visayas region.
The tropical cyclone caused widespread severe flooding, landslides and damaged several infrastructure, including houses, government facilities, private establishments and other areas.
As of Thursday, November 6, the death toll from “Tino” has reached at least 188, with most of the fatalities concentrated in Cebu province.
Reports said that the typhoon dumped a month-and-a-half’s worth of rain in just 24 hours, from November 3 to November 4, more than what the province normally receives in the month of November.
Cebu province also experienced a deadly earthquake earlier on September 30, when a magnitude 6.9 earthquake struck off the coast of Bogo City at night. The earthquake, one of the strongest recorded in the region, killed at least 79 people and injured more than 1,300 individuals.
READ: Dozens killed as powerful quake strikes Cebu
On October 13, another magnitude 5.8 earthquake shook Cebu early in the morning, leaving 14 individuals injured.
Meanwhile, on October 10, Davao Oriental experienced a double earthquake: a magnitude 7.4 quake in the morning and a magnitude 6.8 quake in the evening. The tremors affected more than 490,000 individuals and left at least eight people dead.
READ: Magnitude 7.4 earthquake strikes Davao Oriental, tsunami warning issued | Surigao del Sur quake aftershocks force thousands to stay in evacuation centers
