GMA Network’s internationally acclaimed Public Affairs team produced factual specials that provide insights on the global health crisis brought about by the COVID-19 virus.
The specials include Reporter’s Notebook’s “COVID-19: The Unseen” featuring a rare look inside a COVID-19 medical facility and the risks faced by frontline health workers; Born to Be Wild’s “Vets on Call: Enhanced Community Quarantine” that features veterinarians as they respond to emergency cases to save pet animals amid the lockdown; I-Witness’ “Filipino Frontliners” that shed light on the plight of healthcare professionals, the first responders during the pandemic; and Philippine Flavors (Pinas Sarap) “Superfoods” giving tips for boosting the immune system during the pandemic.
“COVID-19: The Unseen”: In the Philippines, where massive testing has yet to begin, the Reporter’s Notebook team interviewed families of patients and health workers in order to get a closer look at the country’s current health situation. In “COVID-19: The Unseen”, the grave effects of the pandemic are shown as many find themselves in isolation. Families are separated. Patients await treatment in hospitals. Health workers and those in essential services including journalists covering the pandemic must isolate themselves from their loved ones and face an unseen enemy.
In Born to Be Wild’s “Vets on Call: Enhanced Community Quarantine”, the episode follows veterinarians and hosts Doctor Ferds and Doctor Nielsen as they continue to attend to their work as veterinarians despite the country’s ongoing battle with the deadly coronavirus disease.
In I-Witness’ “Filipino Frontliners” (Pinoy Frontliners), journalist Raffy Tima documents the situation inside two high-risk environments – a correctional institute for women where more than 50 inmates tested positive with the COVID-19 virus; and a hospital where frontline healthcare workers expose themselves to risks while treating infected patients.
Philippine Flavors (Pinas Sarap) “Superfoods”: To fight COVID-19, health experts advise boosting one’s immune system. One simple way of doing this is to eat dishes fortified with vitamins and minerals from vegetables tagged as ‘superfoods’ such as ginger and moringa. Award-winning journalist and host, Kara David takes viewers on an unusual food adventure as she prepares dishes with these superfoods from the safety of her home.