DXHM-AM and DXDV Spirit FM: Celebrate Years of Triumph in the Airwaves

God indeed, works in so many amazing and mysterious ways. Seemingly barren in strategies of maximizing and even strengthening the thrust of evangelization, the Diocese of Mati, then, under the shepherding of the late Most Reverend Patricio H. Alo, D.D. did not rest on its laurel to establish all possible means to propagate, educate and inform the people of the good news, and all the transparencies in the locality despite the geographical distance of the Diocese.

Thus, on March 19, 1991, DXHM Heart of Mary Station was officially matriculated in the local broadcast industry and was officially heard over the air lanes, and has become the only AM station in the Diocese of Mati, the Province of Davao Oriental and the whole Davao Region.

This came after Bishop Patricio H. Alo consulted the young presbyterium on the moves to be taken to fulfill the long-desired thrust of evangelization, of which they unanimously approved the idea of putting up an AM Station.

The journey has not been, and still is, not easy. Topping the constraint that the stations went through, is the financial insufficiency. No matter how ardent the desire was for improving, for updating, but financial insufficiency got in the way but the favor was there.

With God’s evident grace, 13 years after, the Diocese welcome a beautiful addition to the medium, DXDV 97.5 Spirit FM.

Impossible it seemed, but Bishop Patricio Alo’s principle is not to make finances a hindrance, or an obstacle, as God has always been a good and untiring provider.

True enough, the DXDV Spirit FM is now 13 years old and both stations struggling against all odds to survive, as the competition gets tougher. Almost a dozen competitors are vying for an ardent share of listenership.

While the competitors succumbed to the systems of the main stream media, that spells money, DXHM-AM and DXDV Spirit FM were guided by the Words of God, never prioritizing monetary gain.

But, as survival is the name of the game, the two stations could not have and will not make it any farther without the support of the people, of the lay faithful, in whatever way possible.

The stations’ endeavors are rooted in the vision of spiritual growth and faith deepening which is now led by the new and enigmatic shepherd, Most Reverend Abel C. Apigo, D.D.

As the stations continue its travails towards our vision, and staff the countdown for another year, we are truly humbled with our metamorphosis, from what we were before, to what we are not, and to what God has planned us to become.

Certain as they are, our travails are constantly guided by the Blessed Virgin Mary and her most chaste spouse, St. Joseph, whose solemnity coincides with the anniversary.

Weaponed with this truth, the stations will remain steadfast in its service, in proclaiming the Words of God, and in standing for the truth.

Bishop Abel C. Apigo, in his Homily in the Eucharistic Celebration, emphasized the great need to use all available medium for evangelization.

The Diocese of Mati is lucky to have all these medium. We will be guilty if we do not utilize these for evangelization. Bishop Emeritus Patricio Alo started the endeavor, “we will continue and we will improve”, he said.

Admittedly, Bishop Abel C. Apigo furthered that as time passes by, and with the demand, we need to be updated, the station need to be upgraded, the reason why Dinner for a Cause culminated the activities for the twin celebration.

“We have to be upgraded as demanded by time. We need to be upgraded to be more effective and efficient. And we need to be upgraded to give our best to the Lord,” he added.

Amazingly, outpour of support were not denied for the two stations as all activities were successfully staged, including the motorcade and the Take One on the Air Battles of Champions” singing competition. (Neela Duallo | Diocese of Mati)