The National Nutrition Council convenes its network of community radio stations for the 7th National Conference of the Nutriskwela Community Radio Network Program on 7-9 February 2017 in Baguio City.
More than a hundred participants representing 34 out of the 35 Nutriskwela community radio stations gathered to discuss and share good practices concerning various aspects of managing and operating the Nutriskwela stations. No less than Mayor Mauricio Domogan welcomed the participants while NNC’s top officials were also present including Assistant Secretary of Health Maria-Bernardita T. Flores who delivered the closing message and Deputy Executive Director Azucena M. Dayanghirang who gave the welcome message.
Representatives from selected community radio stations presented to their fellow community broadcasters their good practices in radio programming and management. Station Manager Annabelle B. Francisco of Radyo Kailian 97.3 FM located at the Ilocos Sur Polytechnic State College in Sta. Maria, Ilocos Sur discussed the listenership profile study entitled “Finding the Kailians” to help the station align its programming to fit its audience needs and listening practices.
Meanwhile, the importance of sustaining support from partners was also shared by Dr. Annabel B. Wellms, the Station Manager of Radyo Kasannangan 94.1 FM in Bongao, Tawi-Tawi at the Mindanao State University – Tawi-Tawi College of Technology and Oceanography. Prof. Gemma Constantino, the Station Manager of Radyo Katilingban 98.9 FM in Sultan Kudarat State University, Tacurong City, shared the results of their radio listeners’ survey which showed that health and nutrition were among the topics the audience favored.
With the various inputs from fellow participants, station personnel charted action plans to further improve their station and address shortcomings to comply with the policies of the National Nutrition Council and the National Telecommunications Commission. The action plans included conducting evaluation of the radio stations using the most significant change method, dialogues with partner for increased support and revitalization of the community radio councils.
Nutrition Information and Education Division Chief Jovita Raval talked about making the nutriskwela radio more effective in nutrition promotion. She emphasized the importance of allotting more airtime to nutrition and airing of NNC-produced radio programs and plugs. Ms. Raval also revealed that NNC will establish 10 new stations and upgrade 10 existing stations under the Nutriskwela Phase 5 this year.
“The Nutriskwela Community Radio Network Program was born out of love for nutrition,” said Assistant Secretary of Health Maria-Bernardita T. Flores in her closing message. She encouraged participants to love the Nutriskwela Community Radio as it is the channel for sharing love to the community and country.
The next national conference is scheduled in November 2017.
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