In 2007, I was deployed in PhilRice Midsayap in North Cotabato. I consider that as one of the highlights of my career thus far. It challenged me personally and professionally. So many things happened while I was there. One of them was when I hosted a radio program for farmers.
It is memorable for several reasons. First, I did not have formal training in broadcasting—I was a development journalism major. Second, I didn’t speak their language. It is a rule of thumb in community broadcasting that you should know the mother tongue in the area. Third, I thought I was too young for the job. I was 23 then.
But then, I was already there. And I knew that would happen. I should say though that I was so clueless with what I would do. I just knew that there should be a radio program for the station. The radio program was every Saturday, 5.30am.
It was funny because all I had was a 3-unit subject on Fundamentals of Community Broadcasting, some handouts from college—(so don’t ever lose your handouts), and guts. The first time when I appeared in the radio station, they kept looking for the next anchor as it was just a few minutes prior to the start of my program. They could hardly believe that I was the one they were looking for. There was like “you?” expression on their faces. But it worked! Several reasons could explain that. First is the fact that Midsayap is a melting pot so Filipino is widely spoken. Second, my colleagues at PhilRice Midsayap were very helpful and supportive.
There were times when I needed to record our episode especially if the expert could not go with me to the station for a live broadcast. So, then, I needed to learn Soundforge. That was a big accomplishment as I was (up until now actually) a technophobe. I learned to edit audio. Every successful recording was a big feat on my part.
The credibility issue likewise melted away. I think it was because of the good response on the program by the locals. I became too involved with it that when I was about to go back to the Central Office of PhilRice in Nueva Ecija, I found it really really hard. Some of the broadcasters in the station started to say that they would miss me, some farmers expressed the same. Very encouraging indeed.
I think one fulfilling thing for a development communicator is when you are able to touch other’s lives, and knowing that they felt your presence. The radio program in Midsayap was far from perfect. I probably messed up in a number of episodes. But I really like it. I’ve won so many friends, and somehow there was an air of accomplishment on my part. The radio program in one way or another provided ways on how we could better interact with our clients. It feels great.
It is memorable for several reasons. First, I did not have formal training in broadcasting—I was a development journalism major. Second, I didn’t speak their language. It is a rule of thumb in community broadcasting that you should know the mother tongue in the area. Third, I thought I was too young for the job. I was 23 then.
But then, I was already there. And I knew that would happen. I should say though that I was so clueless with what I would do. I just knew that there should be a radio program for the station. The radio program was every Saturday, 5.30am.
It was funny because all I had was a 3-unit subject on Fundamentals of Community Broadcasting, some handouts from college—(so don’t ever lose your handouts), and guts. The first time when I appeared in the radio station, they kept looking for the next anchor as it was just a few minutes prior to the start of my program. They could hardly believe that I was the one they were looking for. There was like “you?” expression on their faces. But it worked! Several reasons could explain that. First is the fact that Midsayap is a melting pot so Filipino is widely spoken. Second, my colleagues at PhilRice Midsayap were very helpful and supportive.
There were times when I needed to record our episode especially if the expert could not go with me to the station for a live broadcast. So, then, I needed to learn Soundforge. That was a big accomplishment as I was (up until now actually) a technophobe. I learned to edit audio. Every successful recording was a big feat on my part.
The credibility issue likewise melted away. I think it was because of the good response on the program by the locals. I became too involved with it that when I was about to go back to the Central Office of PhilRice in Nueva Ecija, I found it really really hard. Some of the broadcasters in the station started to say that they would miss me, some farmers expressed the same. Very encouraging indeed.
I think one fulfilling thing for a development communicator is when you are able to touch other’s lives, and knowing that they felt your presence. The radio program in Midsayap was far from perfect. I probably messed up in a number of episodes. But I really like it. I’ve won so many friends, and somehow there was an air of accomplishment on my part. The radio program in one way or another provided ways on how we could better interact with our clients. It feels great.
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