Veteran broadcaster Anthony “Ka Tunying” Taberna revealed that he declined an offer to join and manage DZMM, saying loyalty to DZRH and the network’s support for him during a difficult period weighed more heavily than any professional opportunity.
Speaking on the February 16 episode of “Dos Por Dos,” Taberna credited listeners for the station’s sustained ratings performance, noting that DZRH’s recent No. 1 ranking was shared with its audience.
“Ganun talaga ‘yung mga No. 1, nagseselebrate. At ‘yung pagseselebrate ng DZRH, kasama kayo, sapagkat hindi naman mag-na-number 1 ‘tong DZRH kung hindi kayo kasama,” he said.
Taberna described DZRH not only as a top-performing station in broadcasting but also as a workplace that values its employees, acknowledging that workers naturally seek improvements but emphasizing that the network has shown consistent care for its staff.
“Hindi lang No. 1 ‘to sa pagsasahimpapawid, sa pagsuporta po ninyo. No. 1 din po ito sa pagmamahal sa trabaho, sa empleyado,” he said.
He then recounted how he was approached in 2022 to join DZMM in a managerial capacity, saying the offer went beyond a regular on-air role. Despite the opportunity, he declined.
“Kinukuha ako ng DZMM eh, uli. Noong 2022, pinuntahan pa ako. Hindi ako basta gagawing empleyado lang; kukunin ako para mag-manage ng DZMM. Pero sabi ko, hindi ko matatalikuran ang DZRH,” Taberna said.
The broadcaster explained that DZRH had provided stability when he and his colleagues were left without work, describing the station as a refuge during that time. He also recalled how the network extended support when his daughter fell seriously ill and needed treatment abroad.
“Tinawagan ako ni Atty. Rejie Jularbal, ‘Ka Tunying, ano bang pwede naming magawa para makatulong kami sa’yo?’ Kahit nasa Singapore ka, magprograma ka, tuloy ang sweldo mo,” he recounted, adding that he was allowed to continue hosting his program remotely for six months from a hospital setting using a green screen setup.
Taberna said that such gestures of trust and compassion cemented his decision to stay, even when presented with what he described as a substantial offer elsewhere.
“Malaki offer sa akin pero hindi ko tinanggap, hindi lang ‘yung halaga ng offer, ‘yung pananagutan at kapangyarihan eh. DZRH tayo, DZRH,” he said, thanking the network’s management and reiterating his commitment to the station.
