By Maricar M. Calubiran
HOT FM 102.9 station manager Allan Bartolo wanted to be a catalyst of change. And he did so by using the medium he knows best – broadcasting.
Bartolo provides free airtime for the Kalahi-CIDSS over the FM station – an affiliate of Radyo Natin Network of the Manila Broadcasting Company.
The former correspondent of Manila-based DzMM radio of ABS-CBN made that commitment as his personal service in contributing to the noble cause of uplifting the lives of many impoverished Filipinos in Antique.
Through broadcasting, Bartolo makes the poverty alleviation program of the government known not only in his hometown Bugasong, but also in the neighboring towns of Patnongon, San Remigio, Valderrama, Barbaza and Laua-an.
Antiquenos who are working overseas are also updated on the activities and issues in Antique through the station’s Antique Online Saturday Edition launched especially for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs).
Recognizing the important role of radio in Bugasong and in far-flung areas where television, newspaper and social media are inaccessible, Bartolo knows radio broadcasting is an effective channel of disseminating information to the community.
“Kalahi-CIDSS is one of the vehicles for change in the community that is why we commit ourselves to help in whatever programs of the local government unit that somehow provide opportunity for development in the community,” says Bartolo.
He recalls that when Kalahi-CIDSS was first introduced in Bugasong, he already felt the need to support the program and the community by providing airtime to Kalahi-CIDSS.
“The radio station’s vision is to become a catalyst of change, and we have also seen it in Kalahi-CIDSS.”
The Kalahi-CIDSS Municipal Orientation held on March 22, 2012 was aired live via Hot FM. It was the first activity of the Project that the station had supported.
Bartolo says Kalahi-CIDSS is in line with the station’s vision, namely: enlighten and inform the public on news and issues; awaken in them a sense of giving, sharing and commitment to all public and civic activities to trigger volunteerism; empower the public by dramatizing and articulating their needs; involve the public in policy formation, direction setting and advocacy; and inspire and nurture young talents in broadcasting.
“The constant prodding of the radio station has encouraged active participation from the community,” he says, adding that the station helped instill to the public that Kalahi-CIDSS is the community’s partner in development.
When a series of barangay assemblies started in Bugasong, “We would announce the schedule of the barangay assemblies and asked the community to join and cooperate with Kalahi staff.” This, on top of the Kalahi-CIDSS theme song aired in his public affairs program.
Since the radio station is community-based, Bartolo believes that helping the Department of Social Welfare and Development-led program is Hot FM’s way of thanking the community.
Prior to his work in the media, Bartolo is also into community organizing. “Community organizing runs in my blood and I have seen that Kalahi has a major role in developing the community. We feel accomplished that through Kalahi-CIDSS we are part of the community’s success in achieving the peoples dream for development,” he says.
It is only in Kalahi where people identify their pressing needs and the best ways to solve these problems with their participation.
“I can see people conceptualizing and identifying their needs in their level. It is far different from the traditional approach where local government units select development according to their priorities and perceptions. It is a holistic approach and along the way people are empowered,” he says.
Bartolo, also working as consultant on special concerns in the Office of the Mayor, urges the local government unit to unbind the Project from the so-called “SOP” or the “cut” or profit of project implementers allegedly common in government projects.
“There are existing practices in the local government which should not happen in the Kalahi implementation.”
To note, the Kalahi-CIDSS implementation in Bugasong is funded by a P12.1-million grant from the Millennium Challenge Corporation. The amount does not include the fund for the capability trainings of the local government, workers and community volunteers.
Meanwhile, Bartolo assures his support to the program, which he believes is also helping them in some ways.
“Rest assured that as long as there is Kalahi-CIDSS, we are here to help. Radio has an important role in the development and we are giving our full commitment to Kalahi-CIDSS,” he says.
“Helping Kalahi is my way of giving back the graces and favors I received from my benefactors. The radio station started its operation in 2011with 1 watt. Now, we are operating in 500 watts,” the grateful radio personality says.
“My equipment came from a benefactor whose family is based in Singapore. The radio station became an instrument in bringing a sick member of their family to the hospital. We called for help and asked for a vehicle over the airwaves and there was a quick response from a listener,” he adds.
“So, seeing the community progressing through Kalahi-CIDSS is more than enough to me,” he adds.#