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.
‘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 on regular days, cellular phones or televisions are useful gadgets. However, this is not the case during calamities when electricity is cut off and the internet signal is intermittent or unavailable.
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.
‘There is a bigger chance that information will reach them if we use the radio in bringing the information where there are radio stations that can be detected,’ Valera said.
He said transistor radios can be powered by solar or batteries, or recharged with electricity. Being handy is also a reason; even farmers can listen to programs while tending to their crops or listen to music while working.
Previous studies conducted by the then-National Economic Development Authority in CAR, during its information campaign on the Cordillera autonomy, revealed that the most effective way to inform 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