ARMM, NTC mount radio show summit

COTABATO CITY – The Regional Telecommunications Commission of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, in partnership with the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC), spearheaded Friday the 1st ARMM-wide radio show summit here.

With the theme: “Communicating Peace through Ham Radio”, at least 500 members of civic action groups and amateur radio clubs from different parts of the region participated in the summit. Representatives from the Philippine Amateur Radio Association lectured on the rules and regulations of using ham radio or amateur radio and how to use it during emergency operations. An exhibit of radio units, equipment, antennas and other industry-related products were showcased during the summit.

“Kailangan i-update natin ang ating mga kaalaman sa paggamit nitong mga ham radios, sa pagko-communicate at coordinate, and how you do that better in a systematic manner para makatulong sa ating mga kababayan,” said ARMM Executive Secretary Atty. Laisa Alamia, adding, the summit is very timely as a super typhoon has already entered the Philippine Area of Responsibility.

“We have been monitoring this (super typhoon) for two days now and what we have done sa ARMM-HEART (Humanitarian Emergency Action and Response Team) is to coordinate with these radio clubs and civil action groups,” Sec. Alamia said. “(We want you) na nandyan sa mga komunidad, sa pinakamalayong mga isla to communicate with us anytime mayroong mga pangyayari para maka respond tayo kaagad,” she added. “You (radio operators) are a very important part of the whole pillar of the ARMM on responding to emergencies and humanitarian crisis.”

Telecommunications Commission directors Hamid Bayao of ARMM, Froilan Jamias of Region XII (Soccsksargen), and Nelson Cañete of Region XI (Davao Region) were also present during the activity.  NTC examination for amateur radio operators will be conducted Saturday at the Shariff Kabunsuan Cultural Complex here, where passers will be given the Radio Amateur Operator Certificate. (Bureau of Public Information)