ABS-CBN President and CEO Carlo Katigbak expressed his deep appreciation for the continued success of ‘FPJ’s Batang Quiapo’, calling it a beacon of resilience for the network amid ongoing challenges.
During the #FPJBQSaludoKayTanggol event held at the ABS-CBN ELJ Building on January 30, the Kapamilya network gave a hero’s welcome to Coco Martin and the entire cast of the long-running primetime action-drama series. The celebration was attended by ABS-CBN’s top executives, employees, and production staff.
In his heartfelt speech, Katigbak acknowledged the hardships ABS-CBN has endured since losing its broadcast franchise, yet highlighted how Batang Quiapo remains a dominant force in Philippine television.
“Wala pa tayong istasyon, wala pa tayong prangkisa, pero nangingibabaw pa rin ang programa natin,” Katigbak proudly declared.
He praised the cast and production team for their passion and dedication in delivering high-quality storytelling, emphasizing that their work goes beyond entertainment.
“Wala talagang katapat ang inyong talento at galing sa pagkukuwento. Sana lagi nating alalahanin na ginagawa natin ito hindi para sumikat, kundi para magbigay ng saya, inspirasyon, at pag-asa sa ating mga Kapamilya.”
“Dahil sa galing ninyong pagbibigay ng serbisyo sa taumbayan, kumikita tayo at nakakatulong tayo sa ating pamilya dito sa ABS-CBN.”
“Coco, at sa iyong mga kasama sa Batang Quiapo, maraming, maraming salamat.”
Aside from its strong ratings and online viewership, ‘FPJ’s Batang Quiapo’ has been praised for reviving the careers of veteran actors and introducing fresh talents to the industry.
Veteran actress Celia Rodriguez, who recently joined the series, previously lauded Coco Martin for his generosity and willingness to give opportunities to artists who have been sidelined in the industry.
“He knows how to share. Life is sharing. Kapag multi-millionaire ka at hindi ka tumutulong sa kapwa, basura ka sa akin,” Rodriguez said in an interview with Korina Sanchez-Roxas.
“I’ve heard so many stories about Coco helping other people. Kaya sabi ko sa sulat o text ko sa kaniya, ‘The industry needs you.’ Bilib ako sa batang ‘yun. Sana tularan niyo si Coco Martin.”
Rodriguez’s upcoming role in ‘FPJ’s Batang Quiapo’ remains under wraps, but ABS-CBN executives hinted that she will play a significant character in the show’s storyline.
During the event, Coco Martin assured fans that ‘FPJ’s Batang Quiapo’ will only get more action-packed and intense in the coming episodes.
As the network’s flagship show, ‘FPJ’s Batang Quiapo’ has proven to be more than just a primetime hit—it has become a symbol of ABS-CBN’s resilience in the face of adversity. Despite the network’s absence from free TV, it continues to dominate ratings and digital platforms, cementing its place as one of the most-watched and influential programs in Philippine entertainment today.