CITY OF ILAGAN, ISABELA--------Station Manager Juliet Attiagan of Radyo Kalugaran-Claveria, Cagayan, shared tips and techniques on enhancing nutrition programming during the 10th Nutriskwela Virtual Conference last 25-27 January 2022.
SM Atiagan started with a brief description of Radyo Kalugaran’s manpower, budget and location and gave a virtual tour of the radio station. She then shared how COVID-19 pandemic really affected the operations and programming of Radyo Kalugaran.
“Year 2020 when a global pandemic was declared due to the outbreak of COVID-19, several challenges have been met and way of life including work have to adopt alternative ways to cope up. Radyo Kalugaran was not an exception to this experience as we were greatly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic specially our manpower. There were times our staff were exposed to the virus.”
However, this did not hinder their commitment and aspiration to find ways and alternative solutions to ensure continuous programming of the radio station because social media and radio are both vital sources of information specially in times of a pandemic.
Radyo Kalugaran was tasked to disseminate updated and relevant information on health and nutrition and current situation with regards to COVID-19. This was one way of helping families/individuals get proper/useful information to prevent the spread of the deadly virus. The station used strategies/innovations to inform and equip the community with knowledge and information to combat said virus
Here are some ways and solutions that was adapted by Radyo Kalugaran to ensure continuous and improve programming.
Mobilize Barangay Nutrition Scholars as On-Site Correspondents
They mobilized the modern nutrition heroes, the Barangay Nutrition Scholars, to be their onsite correspondents and share a seat with them in radio programming where they could share what they have seen during their home visits to their targeted beneficiaries.
Barangay Nutrition Scholars who are the frontliners in the implementation of nutrition programs in their area of assignments are reliable sources of information as their testimonies on real life scenarios on nutrition and health practices are of great help.
This is also a way for them to share their best practices and even their problems on air to solicit solutions and at the same time other BNSs or listeners can also adapt the good practices shared on air.
This also ensures that the radio will continue to operate even if some of their staff are exposed to COVID-19.
Radyo Kalugaran’s Nutriskwela Pantry
Inspired by the various community pantries that sprouted during the pandemic with the goal to help people especially those belonging to the poor and marginalized sectors who could hardly provide for their basic needs like food, the radio station also opened its heart and blessings to other people.
Radyo Kalugaran put up its own community pantry with funds solicited from civic-minded Claverianos here and abroad. Some gave in-kind while others shared in cash for the procurement of food commodities. The food commodities were distributed to families whose members tested positive of the virus.
This activity of Radyo Kalugaran showed that is not just a community radio station that provides accurate and factual information but also a second family that gives hope and strength to its listeners.
Distribution of Transistor Radios
Radyo Kalugaran with its goal to reach all of its constituents specially farmers and laborers who work very early and throughout the day, the station was able to solicit transistor radios for distribution to marginalized farmers and fisher folks. The recipients are encouraged to give feedbacks and share their experiences in life especially in relation to health and nutrition and in ensuring adequate food for their family and the community.
Strengthen Social Media Presence
Radyo Kalugaran also recognizes the importance of social media presence to reach the digital savy constituents. Hence, the station strengthened its social media presence through FB pages with FB livestreams during its programs.
Complemented with FB lives were information source out from legit social media pages such as government pages and other institutions that were shared through the station’s FB page.
Feedbacks from listeners and viewers
Feedback and message retainment of listenership are very important to ensure enhanced nutrition programing. Radyo Kalugaran continuously monitors FB and social media comments and questions. Their hotline and cellphone numbers are always open for greetings, comments and clarifications to ensure wider participation of the audiences.
Avid listeners and viewers are likewise greeted continuously to sustain their interests and to continuously follow the Facebook page of the station. Feedbacks and some of the topics are derived from actual experiences of the listeners.
Lastly and most important aspect to ensure enhance nutrition programming is their commitment and perseverance as the nutrition radio anchors and advocates.
Everytime they remove their headphones, lower their microphone and exit through the Radyo Kalugaran’s door, they ensure the community that they always practice what they preach and always walk their talk.
This is being encouraged to be practiced by the staff and those who are connected to the radio station where ideas are being remembered by the people because words are being complimented with actions.
- The observance of not drinking soft drinks which were able to convince others to do the same
- Increase physical activity like daily exercise, biking and walking along Claveria Boulevard
This is the commitment that they engraved in their system to ensure that their credibility, integrity and stand as nutrition advocates are not only confined through the four corners of the radio station but will always be in their hearts as nutrition information bearers.
These were some measures which Radyo Kalugaran initiated to be closer to the people and to receive feedbacks for the betterment of the operation of the station and to become resourceful.
Radyo Kalugaran is one of the 50 Nutriskwela Community Stations established by the National Nutrition Council in the country during its first phase.###John Nestor L. Ballad
