Since its installation on 4 October 2017, Radyo Kaedup Community Radio in Dingalan, Aurora was first visited by a team composed of MQ Mediazone Managing Director Mackay Quadra and Nutrition Officer I Melany A. Orquia of the NNC-Region III on 28 November 2017. The objectives of the monitoring visit were to know the status of the radio station, its current operations, station personnel, functionality of the community radio council, among others.
The monitoring visit inspired the Community Radio Council to improve its operation and on the programs that it broadcast.
On 27 April 2018, an “unannounced” visit was dovetailed with the conduct of the Monitoring and Evaluation of Local Level Plan Implementation (MELLPI) in the Municipality of Dingalan on 26-27 April 2018. Although taken by surprise, Radio Kaedup Team warmly welcomed the NNC team led by OIC-NPC Ana Maria Rosaldo and NNC-Region III staff, composed of NO III Angelita M. Pasos, NO II Rose Anne M. Cuyco, NO I Melany Orquia and AA III Joie B. Sicat. OIC-NPC Rosaldo went on-air and discussed the purpose of the MELLPI, the monitoring visit of Radio Kaedup, and nutrition situation in the Municipality of Dingalan, in particular and in the Province of Aurora, in general.
The NNC Team also had an opportunity to interview Radio Kaedup Station Manager Maribie Buenaventura, Radyo Kaedup Technician Claudine Domingo, and Radio Kaedup announcer Mr. Bong Romantico.
From the very quick interview, the monitors came to know that since the time Radyo Kaedup become operational, it started broadcasting for 18 hours a day, starting at 4 o’clock in the morning until 10 o’clock in the evening. Nutrition program is aired twice a day while development programs are aired five times a week. Manager Buenaventura narrated that sources of nutrition information are the Rural Health Units, Barangay Nutrition Scholars (BNSs) and Barangay Health Workers (BHWs). Radyo Kaedup got feedback about the effectiveness of the radio broadcast from the survey conducted by the BNSs and BHWs and through text messaging. The listeners are fond of following the drama series of the 10 Kumainments and some of the listeners said that they become updated on the LGU’s activities such as information about summer jobs and latest news. Senior citizens who are also avid listeners of the program would send SMS when the broadcast or program got delayed. In terms of sustainability, the LGU solely fund and support the operations of the radio station by allotting Php50,000.00 for CY 2018. One of the major findings of the monitoring visit was that, all equipment provided by NNC are all intact and in good condition, except for the broken headset and mixer which was brought to Manila for repair. Thanks to the generosity of Mayor Shierwin Taay for lending his mixer which enabled Radyo Kaedup to temporarily resume broadcast.
It is heartwarming to note when listeners say that the nutritional status of her child improved by trying out recipes that they heard from listening to Radyo Kaedup and hearing someone put up her own backyard garden because of her engagement with the radio program.
Maedup Dingaleños! Long live Radio Kaedup. Keep on broadcasting. You have a long way to go.
Author:
Angelita M. Pasos
Nutrition Officer III
