THE Department of Agriculture (DA) has launched a community radio station in Batangas to relay information on agricultural and fishery projects and other news to farming and fishing communities.

In a partnership with Batangas State University, Forefront Broadcasting Company, and the DA regional office, it launched DWPB-FM 107.3.

During the launch, Agriculture Secretary William D. Dar said radio stations are becoming more relevant because of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and can be tapped by the agriculture sector for rural development purposes.

“We are very purposive in terms of having more radio stations all over the country so we can relay much-needed timely and innovative information and technologies to farming and fishing communities,” Mr. Dar said.

The radio station, hosted by Batangas State University, will feature the DA’s various projects and cultural programs produced by the university’s development communication faculty and students.

Forefront Broadcasting Company will provide radio station management expertise.

Batangas State University President Tirso A. Ronquillo said the new radio station will also serve as an on-the-job training platform for students undertaking development communications, agriculture and fishery courses, and other degree programs.

“The radio station will not only be of great help in enhancing the communication skills of students, but also help promote the initiatives of the university in transforming the Batangas youth into worthy, responsible citizens, contributing their share in nation-building,” Mr. Ronquillo said.

According to the DA, it has set up another such radio station in Pampanga State Agricultural University in Magalang, Pampanga. — Revin Mikhael D. Ochave

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