GMA Execs to Visit Office of Baliwag Mayor Over "Abot-Kamay Na Pangarap"

GMA execs release an official statement on the sentiments of Baliwag regarding “Abot-Kamay Na Pangarap”

ABOT-KAMAY NA PANGARAP – Some executives from GMA 7 are expected to visit the office of Baliwag, Bulacan Mayor Ferdie Estrella. This follows the release of sentiments from the mayor’s office regarding a teleserye of the Kapuso Network starring Jillian Ward.

In the official statement from GMA sent to Bandera, the network confirmed that their apology letter is scheduled to be brought to Mayor Estrella’s office. “GMA Asst Vice President for Drama Ali Nokom Dedicatoria has reached out to Mayor Ferdie Estrella on behalf of the writer and the program. And they will also meet with him on Monday to deliver the apology letter personally. All’s well that ends well. Thank you,” the statement said.

It can be recalled that the mayor of Baliwag posted his grievances on Facebook about the controversial episode of “Abot-Kamay Na Pangarap.” The statement began by stating: “Sa episode ng Abot Kamay na Pangarap ng GMA 7 na pinalabas noong Pebrero 14, 2024 ay nabanggit ang pangalan ng Lungsod ng Baliwag kung saan ito ay ginamit bilang bahagi ng dayalogo ng isa sa mga karakter.”

The dialogue in the teleserye turned Baliwag, Bulacan into a joke, a matter of concern as it reflects a lack of understanding and sensitivity to significant issues. Despite the belief that Baliwag’s name originates from “baliw,” it actually comes from the Tagalog word “baliuag,” meaning deep. This term was documented in the Vocabulario Lengua Tagala in 1800 and Jose Villa Panganiban’s Thesaurus Dictionary. Additionally, the episode’s mockery of a mentally challenged individual is criticized.

Baliuag, known for its advocacy for mental health, opposes the portrayal of damaging themes and the use of its name for ridicule. Consequently, the irresponsible scriptwriting and airing are condemned, with hopes that it serves as a lesson and raises awareness for future productions.