Ipinagtanggol ng network ang production team ng Bagani at ipinagdiinan na walang masamang intensyon ang mga taong bumubuo sa programa. Ito’y matapos ngang sumulat ang isang opisyal ng CHED sa ABS-CBN tungkol sa paggamit ng titulong “Bagani” sa bago nitong teleserye.
Narito ang official statement ng Kapamilya Network hinggil sa isyu: “The concept of ABS-CBN’s new fantaserye Bagani is to feature warriors, protectors, and heroes who espouse Filipino values and beliefs.
“The production team did intensive research to determine a distinctly Filipino term that embodies a champion who fights for the common good of his tribe or family—somebody who is brave, honorable, self-sacrificing, and good-hearted.
“In the end, the team recognized that the term and concept of a Bagani best solidifies the traits that the program wants to highlight.
“With all due respect, the use of Bagani is not in any way intended to malign or to disrespect beliefs of the Indigenous Peoples’ communities, but instead hopes to propagate the values, morals, and ethics that are inherent in a ‘Bagani’—a Filipino warrior, protector, and hero.
“To be clear, the Bagani fantaserye does not purport itself to be a historical account of Philippine history or culture.
“The program has always maintained that it has created an alternative fictional universe with elements of Filipino mythology and folklore that simply serves as an avenue to creatively deliver and highlight Filipino values, beliefs, and heroism.”