MANILA, Philippines?And now there are eight.

Since Inquirer?s last interview with the women executives of GMA 7 two years ago, another one has been included in the roster.

Janine Piad-Nacar, assistant vice president for Talk, Game and Reality, joins the following women, among the Kapuso network?s top decision makers (in alphabetical order): Annette Gozon-Abrogar, president of GMA Worldwide and GMA Films; Marivin T. Arayata, vice president for Entertainment TV; Darling de Jesus, assistant vice president for Musicals, Variety and Specials; Wilma V. Galvante, senior vice president for ETV; Ida R. Henares, VP for GMA Artist Center; Gigi Santiago-Lara, AVP for Alternative Productions; and Lilybeth G. Rasonable, AVP for Drama.

To mark the network?s 60th year, we asked the lady officers about the importance of the female voice in the oftentimes noisy broadcasting landscape.

Is GMA 7 a woman-friendly working environment?

Annette Gozon-Abrogar: A lot of women are employed in GMA 7 and there is virtually no discrimination based on gender.

Marivin T. Arayata: GMA 7 also establishes a work climate of genuine respect for women and women?s views.

Darling de Jesus: The network allows its female workers to thrive and reach their full potential. It is gender-sensitive and does not alienate any gender.

Wilma V. Galvante: It is the respect for every coworker, no matter what gender, and our professionalism, that give the company?s female workers the ability to interact better and express themselves with confidence.

Ida R. Henares: Company policies address and provide what is fair and beneficial for its employees.

Gigi Santiago-Lara: GMA 7 encourages women?s growth within the company. This is true... in the production personnel and in most of the departments. Even the Program Committee has a lot of women members.

Janine Piad-Nacar: We play an active role in the way the company handles all its dealings and we are given equal rights... in making important decisions that shape the network.

Lilybeth G. Rasonable: Women are definitely given equal voice in GMA.

There was a time when ABS-CBN was perceived as female-oriented, and GMA 7, male-oriented, in terms of programming. How has this changed through the years?

AGA: Some years back, GMA 7 was airing animé programs on prime time. When we decided to go for No. 1, it was imperative to produce dramas, the strongest format locally. We started with traditional dramas, but ?Mulawin? was a breakthrough for us. We discovered that Filipino audiences also love dramas with a touch of fantasy. Drama hooked women ...

MTA: We try to be more gender-sensitive and do away with stereotypes. We have produced ?Encantadia,? ?Ako Si Kim Sam Soon,? ?All About Eve? and now ?Diva,? which portray empowered women.

WVG: GMA 7 has always recognized that there are more female viewers in any given time block. We?re guided by this every time we conceptualize programs. When we introduced the sinenovelas in the afternoon block, it attracted a huge percentage of female viewers.

IRH: Talk shows and a host of soaps and specials (like pageants and concerts) have been conceptualized to cater to women. We create heroines, strong women characters to be emulated and idolized, too.

GSL: The profusion of drama shows is testament that GMA 7 has become more geared towards women. But we do not aim to alienate male and young viewers. Our goal is to present programming that best reflects what our viewers want.

JPN: GMA 7 recognizes the need for balanced programming to meet the needs of both its male and female audiences. Through the years, we?ve produced shows especially outfitted for women?whether they are teenagers, mothers or career women. Even our shows that are not female-centered recognize and support certain women?s issues and concerns.

There is a glut of new channels that cater to men. Why is QTV as a women?s channel relevant in the present TV landscape?

MTA: Although QTV is no longer exclusively a woman?s channel, its programs remain to be gender-sensitive and are attuned to women?s diverse needs.

DDJ: QTV provides non-cable viewers various programs that can only be viewed on cable channels. It also provides alternative programming.

WVG: It is only on QTV where women viewers can catch cooking shows, lifestyle, fashion and parenting programs.

GSL: QTV is adding new programs that will cater not just to women but to a general audience?with show biz talk shows and comedy programs.

JPN: QTV will continue to be relevant in the TV landscape because women, in general, remain a key component of today?s audience.

LGR: QTV offers quality alternative programming to a wide audience, including women who compose a major chunk of viewers.

Why is the female voice important in the broadcast industry?

AGA: There are instances when women have different needs, views and sensibilities from men.

MTA: Our personal views of the world are shaped by what we see on TV. It is imperative that we show a fair world view to our audience. It can?t be limited to the male opinion.

DDJ: Women provide a nurturing balance and the instinctively feminine touch to what is perceived as a male-dominated industry.

WVG: It?s the female ?touch? that certainly makes the industry come alive.

IRH: Women are regarded as the heart of our society and their voice is vital in every industry.

JPN: Women as homemakers are skilled with the ability to understand and keep up with the current needs and demands of viewers.

LGR: Women add joy and color to the local broadcast industry.

In what ways has your being a woman informed/enriched your work?

AGA: I am able to understand more the needs and sensibilities of the female market.

MTA: I?m also a mother and I?d like to think I?m also looking after the viewers? welfare.

DDJ: It has allowed me to perform varied roles and tasks at the same time. As a woman, I do not only lead my group, I nurture them as well. We do our jobs not only with dedication but with all our hearts.

WVG: Patience and understanding are virtues inherent in women. In this kind of work where one constantly deals with superstars, deadlines, ratings, even unwanted intrigues... these virtues are actually tools that help us get our work done.

IRH: Knowledge, experience and faith have equipped me with wisdom.

GSL: It has allowed me to grow in this industry and enabled me to nurture the talents of the people we work with.

JPN: I am more mindful of how our programs inspire and influence the viewers.

LGR: To come up with drama shows that viewers can easily relate to, one has to be in tune with the emotions of the audience. That?s easy for women.

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