The Office of Civil Defense (OCD)-Cordillera Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (DRRMC) on Tuesday urged residents of the region to invest in a transistor radio, which has been proven to be the most effective way of disseminating information, especially in far-flung communities, during calamities.
“Nakita natin na isa sa mga challenge ay ang pagpaparating ng impormasyon sa lahat ng mga mamamayan lalo na ang mga tungkol sa safety kapag may kalamidad (We saw that one of the challenges is bringing information to all residents especially safety information during calamities),” said Jose Ignacio Valera, Disaster Risk Reduction Management (DRRM) officer of OCD-CAR, in a media interview aired over a local radio station.
He said that during regular days, the cellular phone using internet signal or a television, are useful gadgets, but it is not the case during calamities when electricity is cut off and internet signal is intermittent or is out.
He added that many people in remote communities still rely on the “observation method,” continuing their usual activities as long as no rain is visible—often unaware that they are already facing serious risks to their lives and property.
“Mas malaki ang chance na makarating sa kanila ang information kung gagamit tayo ng radyo kasi kahit sa malayong lugar may nakukuha na istasyon (there is a bigger chance that information will reach them if we use the radio in bringing the information where there is radio stations can be detected),” Valera said.
He said transistor radios can either be solar-powered, battery-powered or can be recharged if there is electricity. It’s being handy is also a reason even farmers are able to listen to programs while tending to their crops or even listen to music while working.
Previous studies conducted by then-National Economic Development Authority in CAR when it was drum-beating the information campaign on the Cordillera autonomy revealed that the best way of informing the public is through radio, with farmers and other people working while simultaneously listening.
“Transistor radio functions even without electricity, even without internet, and is most accessible as it does not cost much,” he added. (PNA)