Davao taps good old-fashioned radio as another disaster management tool

IN THIS internet age when social media platforms have become a leading information source and communication tool, good old-fashioned radio remains a formidable device in remote areas — and anywhere during calamity situations. Tapping this force, Davao City launched on Monday a radio station dedicated to disaster management not just within the city but for neighboring provinces. “While the city government of Davao is already on broadcast television with the Byaheng Do30 television program, and we are active online with our social media accounts and Websites, we have yet to make a strong presence on radio,” Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio said during the launching of Davao City Disaster Radio (DCDR 87.5 FM). The station will broadcast real-time situationers as well as information campaign programs on emergency preparedness and response. Ms. Duterte said with the radio station, the city government now has another way of reaching all its 182 barangays and other provinces within the Davao Region. During the launch Ms. Duterte also signed an agreement with three provincial governors, namely: Davao Occidental’s Claude P. Bautista, Davao Oriental’s Nelson L. Dayanghirang, and Davao de Oro’s Jayvee Tyron Uy. The governors of Davao del Norte and del Sur, who are both not political allies of the four others, were not at the event. Ms. Duterte also signed a separate agreement with Brig. Gen. Ernesto Torres Jr., civil relations service chief of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), to establish DCDR as an AFP-affiliate station. Ms. Duterte said, “The correct information and ample preparations are our strongest defense against any calamity or crisis situation. And with this platform, we can ready our people better for any eventuality.” — Maya M. Padillo