Radio Magazine: Broadcasting Hope amidst the Pandemic

(by Jake Carlyne Gonzales-Tugbang of the Schools Division of Kabankalan City)

Radio Magazine is a life-changing program for a better You. That is the promise I give my listeners and Facebook Live audience from Monday to Friday at 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM.

The program, Radio Magazine, was conceived when I was doing a partnership program with DepEd and 91.3 News FM for the radio-based instruction of the Schools Division of Kabankalan City (Negros Occidental). The radio station offered me to hold a program that would help reach out to many who wanted more than just information in the time of the pandemic.  I promptly grabbed the opportunity.  I knew that while the program might seem challenging and tedious for me being a full-fledged government employee, doing the show would nevertheless allow me to help curtail the spread of fake news, to raise awareness, to share public information, as well as to inspire people by tackling stories of hope, wellness, and inspiration.

Since it was launched, Radio Magazine’s impact to the public has been immense and remarkable as the program is anchored in five I's: informative, interesting, interactive, intergenerational, and inspiring. The resource persons I invite are mainly fellow public servants.  They share information, experiences, and credible knowledge, as well as various significant issues. I showcase my guests by announcing first on Facebook, and holding face-to-face interview inside the radio station or through Google meet or messenger.

Since I run my own radio program, I create content that focuses on the expertise of my interviewee or guest. The topics I choose for the week include an assortment of political news, social issues, environmental concerns, economic recovery, culture, or currently trending topics. The discussions help the public learn and discover tips for self-protection, self-preservation, and self- efficiency.

Although the pandemic has caused an overwhelming level of stress and anxiety for many, Radio Magazine helps the people of Negros Occidental combat their anxiety by staying informed and being inspired.  Before the end of each show, Dr. Gladys Patindol, our Doctor-on-the-Air, provides medical information for the prevention and management of different diseases.

The lessons and insights shared by the various people I meet and interview on the program have sketched an inspiring landscape of hope that help my listeners (and Facebook audience) portray a more optimistic perspective in the midst of this pandemic.  The compassion and goodwill we depict especially as lingkod ng bayan create a channel for us to identify the vital roles we play in changing lives and communities to build a stronger and better nation.

This work-life balance enables us to provide hope and promote altruism in the name of public service.  Afterall, we concur that “what counts in life is not the mere fact that we have lived. It is what difference we have made to the lives of others that will determine the significance of the life we lead.”(Nelson Mandela).  Indeed, by helping others lead better lives, our lives become more significant.#

Plugs for our Featured Stories

With Radio Magazine's featured guests

Ms. Jake Carlyne Gonzales-Tugbang (Ms. Jake) is a Senior Education Program Specialist of the Schools Division of Kabankalan City (Negros Occidental).