ABS-CBN answers CHED’s criticism about Bagani’s ‘misuse of term’

Media and entertainment group ABS-CBN Corporation released a statement in response to the controversial letter sent by Commissioner Ronald Adamat of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), where it requested the media outfit to immediately clarify and explain its alleged misuse of the term “Bagani” in a television series of the same name. (Photo: Bagani/Facebook)

Media and entertainment group ABS-CBN Corporation released a statement in response to the controversial letter sent by Commissioner Ronald Adamat of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), where it requested the media outfit to immediately clarify and explain its alleged misuse of the term “Bagani” in a television series of the same name.

In a letter dated March 2, Dr. Adamat, a former representative of the Indigenous People Sector, said that he would like to seek “immediate clarification and explanation from ABS-CBN as to how and why the term ‘Bagani’, which is an Indigenous Peoples terminology and endemic only to IPs [Indigenous Peoples], ended up used in a teleserye that I suspect is devoid of real meaning and substance.”

Adamat stressed that the show’s writers and producers may have “overlooked and neglected” the cultural sensitivities of the country’s IPs. He added that it is enough for the team to arrive with such concepts, titles, and characters that would make blockbusters yet carry with them “half-truths and lies that destroy and negate the real essence of an IP terminology.”

In its statement, ABS-CBN defended that the concept of its new television show is to feature warriors, protectors, and heroes who adopt Filipino values and belief.

“The production team did intensive research to determine a distinctly Filipino term that embodies a champion who fights for the common good of his tribe or family—somebody who is brave, honorable, self-sacrificing, and good-hearted. In the end, the team recognized that the term and concept of a ‘Bagani’ best solidify the traits that the program wants to highlight,” ABS-CBN said.

It also pointed out that the use of Bagani is not intended to disrespect the beliefs and culture of the IPs’ community. The media group said that through this show, they hoped to spread the values, morals, and ethics of a Filipino warrior.

“To be clear, the ‘Bagani’ fantaserye does not purport itself to be a historical account of Philippine history or culture. The program has always maintained that it has created an alternative fictional universe with elements of Filipino mythology and folklore that simply serves as an avenue to creatively deliver and highlight Filipino values, beliefs, and heroism,” it continued.

Even before its premiere, the show was under fire for casting mixed-race actors having fair skin such as Liza Soberano and Enrique Gil. Many netizens decried this decision as the story was set during pre-colonial period.

Aside from Liza and Enrique, Sofia Andress, Makisig Morales, and Matteo Guidcelli also starred in Bagani. It was launched on March 5, Monday, replacing horror-fantasy drama La Luna Sangre.