Luchi Cruz-Valdes gathers with fellow journos as she retires from TV5. Images: Screengrab from Instagram/@cherylcosim, IMDb
Veteran broadcast journalist Luchi Cruz-Valdes was treated to a send-off by TV5 anchors, as she retires from her post as head of the Kapatid Network’s News and Public Affairs department.
A glimpse of the gathering was posted on Cheryl Cosim’s Instagram page on Monday, Sept. 23 where Cruz-Valdes, also known in the newsroom as LCV, gave a brief speech about turning over the reins to Guido Zaballero, the president and CEO of TV5.
“I am so proud to have built a pool of anchors and a stable of reporters who just love the network and love their work and are loyal. So, I am handing you over to GRZ (Guido Zaballero),” she said. “I am so confident that I am handing over a very, very good product.”
Also present at the send-off were Julius Babao, Christine Bersola-Babao, Chiqui Roa-Puno, and Jiggy Manicad, to name a few.
For her part, Cosim thanked Cruz-Valdes for her “unwavering commitment to excellence” while serving as the network’s chief of news.
“A simple gathering to celebrate our chief’s retirement. Ma’am LCV @luchicruzvaldes your leadership, dedication, and unwavering commitment to excellence have been truly inspiring,” she said in the caption.
The “Frontline Pilipinas” anchor also credited Cruz-Valdes for her efforts in “shaping [their] newsroom” while guiding her and her colleagues along the way.
“You’ve not only shaped the newsroom with your vision but have also mentored and guided so many of us along the way. Thank you for everything, and here’s to a future as bright and fulfilling as the incredible career you’ve had with us,” she said.
Meanwhile, “Gud Morning Kapatid” stylist Dennis Pineda recalled some of his favorite memories with Cruz-Valdes in a separate post, saying he’s happy for the “more relaxed chapter” of her life.
“[Luchi Cruz-Valdes] has just retired as chief of news at @news5everywhere. Sad that you are leaving but happy that you are entering a more relaxed but still exciting chapter in your life. Still, I know that there are so many possibilities for you,” he said.
“Thank you for the friendship and the job you have entrusted me with as a stylist for your anchors and hosts in your station. For me, you will always remain a Kapatid in every sense of the word. A true sister in Christ. May the Lord continue to bless and guide you in this new season of your life,” he further said.
Cruz-Valdes will remain in her current post until the end of the month.
Sources within the network said that the news maven was set to retire as early as last year, but was prevailed upon by Mediaquest, the parent company of TV5, to stay on for another year to ensure a smoother turnover of the news operations.
After taking up Broadcast Communication at UP Diliman, Cruz-Valdes started her journalism career as a field reporter in TV5, which was known as Associated Broadcasting Company at the time. She joined the public affairs program “The Probe Team” anchored by CheChe Lazaro in GMA, before the latter transferred to ABS-CBN, and Cruz-Valdez followed suit three years later.
She stayed with the Kapamilya network for several years before deciding to resign and transfer to TV5 as its news chief in 2010.