DXGN reopening pushed; needs community support

(Part 2 of 2)

In July 12, 2008, the Catholic station in Davao has stopped its operation for the third time. Additional causes presented were the breakdown of equipment and lack of support from Catholic constituents. This close-open phenomenon upset the avidlisteners of the programs, including non-Catholics, particularly those who are living in the rural parishes and provinces who depended much on the spiritual nourishment brought by the broadcast, such as a woman listener from Sultan Kudarat.  According to her, the Holy Mass coverage substitutes her physical presence in the Church when money is scarce.  She confesses that she still awaits the re-opening.

Hearing more positive acknowledgments, the research team of the media apostolate started to conduct Media Involvement Survey since 2011.

THE RADIO OPENING STATUS

             After series of consultations which brought positive responses from ACLAIM, San Roque Parish (Malabog), clergy, vicariates of Bunawan and Calinan, the Davao Verbum Dei Media Foundation, Inc. BOT has convened again on July 25, 2014, at the Bishop’s residence to decide on the matter.  Attended by Abp. Romulo G. Valles, DD. (Chair of the BOT), Msgr. Maximo Sarno, Judge Jesus Quitain, Atty. Jesus Dureza, Mr. Al Barretto, Dr. Ma. Iris Melliza and Mr. Raphael Gomez, after being updated on the on the current situations affecting the local Church and the City as a whole, questions on the start-up capital and sustainability were also raised.

Social Communications Director/DC Herald Editor-in-Chief Fr. Ritsche Gamaya with the team composed of Cheryl Vilog, Ph.D. (FS in-charge), Masarina Banquerigo, CPA and Edwin Banquerigo (Business Plan in-charge), Perry Paul Lamanilao (Online streaming in-charge) and Annie Libres (Programming Consultant) were instructed to continue the consultation while creating the fund-sourcing team.

Dr. Ma. Iris Melliza, former President of the Holy Cross of Davao College of Davao, Inc. shared three important thoughts; “1) Radio is the best medium to heighten the level of awareness in case of disasters, 2) If DC Herald has helped the GKKs improve their management and become more dynamic, what more if the radio will open, 3) Radio is the best medium to assist parents in educating their children especially in matters related to drugs, “ said she.

It is being hoped that the reopening will take place this year provided all the stakeholders will give their full support.

By Troy Stephen Vergara