MANILA -- She's one of many ABS-CBN employees feeling the impact of the decision of lawmakers not to renew the network's franchise, or will do soon, as mass layoffs hit next month.
But in spite of this disheartening setback, Ces Drilon, at the very least, said she is moved knowing that many Filipinos empathize with what she and her colleagues are going through, understanding that they are losing "more than just a job."
Drilon, a former anchor of the late night newscast "Bandila," took to Instagram to reflect on what ABS-CBN shutting down meant to her.
She wrote that what hurt her deeply, besides realizing the financial uncertainty countless Kapamilya will be facing amidst this pandemic, is the pain of losing a job they're passionate about.
"We wake up in the morning excited and energized because we are passionate to work. It's more than just a job for us," she wrote.
Drilon also said that she's touched by the outpouring of support, sharing a message she received from the cameraman who was with her when she was kidnapped by the Abu Sayyaf last 2008.
She recalled: "One message that really touched me was sent by Jimmy Encarnacion, the ABS-CBN news cameraman, who was abducted with me 12 years ago."
"He said, 'Ma'am Ces, nabasa ko po. Nalungkot ako. Alam ko po gaano niyo minahal work niyo at ABS-CBN. Makakabangon po tayo, mam," she said.
Drilon, who has been with ABS-CBN for more than three decades, is among the many people who will be losing their jobs by the end of August, as a result of ABS-CBN's rejected franchise renewal request.
She became the subject of headlines when she shared how tough it was to tell her team that they'd be out of work by September.
You can read her full Instagram post below: