People Empowerment through Participation in Community Radio

By Christina B. Banluta

Participation in development has become a buzzword among Third World nations like the Philippines. A community radio station established by UNESCO-TAMBULI in the northern part of this country airs one "participatory" program called Haranahan sa DWRA (serenade at DWRA).

It provides entertainment through a variety of indigenous love songs, traditionally sung to win the heart of a ladylove. The program has been a major audience- and talent-drawer, making it a favorite among local residents. Since its inception in 1996, the people look forward to Sundays when they can enjoy and proudly listen to the talents of the community who are equally proud and excited to be heard on the air.

Haranahan sa DWRA is indeed an audience involvement radio program. Local talents - men, women, and youth - volunteer and take the chance to greet relatives, friends, and loved ones and offer them love songs on the air. The participation of the local residents is so overwhelming that the schedule for local participation in this broadcast program is filled up two to three months in advance.

The participation of the local residents in the affairs of community radio is one important issue in the management of the radio stations. It is a necessary concern that if some relevant issues are answered, community radio can contribute in empowering the local people.

Source: TAMBULI, Volume 1 No.4, July 1998