TABUK CITY, Kalinga – A government radio station located at Talama heights in this city now reverberates on the airwaves to amplify the voices of and empower the indigenous peoples of Kalinga and other provinces of the Cordillera.
DWPF Guimpong FM 92.10 radio officially signed on Dec. 8 with Presidential Communications Operations Office Usec. and Presidential Task Force Executive Director on Media Security Jose Joel M. Sy Egco as the guest of honor and speaker.
He said the operationalization of Guimpong station under Radyo Pilipinas is a testament to the relentless efforts of the government to bring vital information to the people.
“In bringing to life this radio station, our government’s objectives are simple: to inform, to educate, to transform, to exude life. The operationalization of the station is recognition of the rights of IPs to be heard and PCOO’s small step in helping the people in the Cordillera to be heard,” Egco said.
PCOO Sec. Martin Andanar, in his virtual message encouraged Guimpong station to be a catalyst in upholding the voices of various sectors and to be a partner in promoting the programs and services of the government towards development as one nation.
“We will continue to uphold and promote those who are unheard, unrepresented in our country to make sure that your voices are being heard and your needs are being acted upon for our collective development as one nation,” Andanar said.
Bureau of Broadcast Service Director Rizal Giovanni Aportadera, in his virtual message, said the operation of Guimpong FM Station is a step towards progress of the province. He assured continued support to the new station.
Kalinga Rep. Allen Jesse Mangaoang said the operation of DWPF 92.1 station is an opportunity to amplify the voices of the indigenous people in the province and raise the prestige of their heritage and language.
He believes that a “well informed people make an empowered constituency.”
Gov. Ferdinand Tubban said the newly established radio station will strengthen cultural belongingness and raise awareness of cultural identity.
“It can also be a means to educate not only our children but neighboring friends and visitors of our way of life, and a platform for our people to be more-informed individuals,” he said.
Also present during the event were Vice Gov. Dave Odiem, Tabuk City Mayor Darwin Estrañero, Balbalan Mayor Eric Gonayon, PRO-Cor Director B/Gen. Ronald Lee, PRO-2 Director B/Gen. Esteve Ludan, National Bureau of Investigation-Region 2 Director Gelacio Bongat, among others. – Peter A. Balocnit
