DevCom Dep’t launches 𝙆𝙖𝙖𝙗𝙖𝙜 𝙨𝙖 𝙆𝙖𝙡𝙖𝙢𝙗𝙤𝙖𝙣 radio program

The Department of Development Communication spearheaded the Kaabag sa Kalamboan radio program launching on January 20, 2023, at the Information and Communication Unit inside the Research, Development, and Extension Building of the University.

This radio program is the first extension program implemented by the Department of Development Communication in partnership with DXMU 88.9 development radio, Local Government Units (LGUs) of Bayabason and Maramag, and the College of Human Ecology.

“Kaabag sa Kalamboan radio program is a radio magazine program, a medium used for the CMU-funded extension study titled Value Chain Enhancement of Selected Tropical Fruits in Bayabason, Maramag, Bukidnon through Community Broadcasting [with the code] E 2022-04,” Dr. Ele E. Dinampo-Lunzaga, Program leader and Chairperson of the Department of Development Communication said in an interview.

She elaborated that the radio program aims to capacitate the farmers on sustainable agriculture and address the problem of the short shelf-life of fruits by adding value to agricultural products produced in Barangay Bayabason.

At the same time, the extension program intends to equip DevCom students in radio broadcasting and community engagement necessary in DevCom praxis and to prepare them for their internships, as stated in the rationale of the program.

During the launching, 11 DevCom student volunteers were introduced along with other extension collaborators and partners “…it sets forth DevCom students to volunteerism and helps them become service-oriented in the media industry through this simple extension study,” Dr. Lunzaga added. She further said that these DevCom student volunteers would be involved in identifying relevant topics for dissemination. They are also responsible for preparing radio scripts and other preparatory activities before going on air.

Also, experts from the College of Agriculture and the College of Human Ecology were invited as subject matter specialists on sustainable agriculture and value-adding to agricultural products like marang, bananas (lakatan), and mangoes. They relay relevant information and technology to the farmers of Barangay Bayabason.

Dr. Estrella Y. Dacillo, Extension Office Director, also expressed her support for the program. “I am happy that this program is designed to address both the farmers’ and students’ needs and, at the same time, address the challenges in conducting training in remote areas,” she said.

Dr. Dacillo also highlighted the significance of the program to Devcom students, saying, “it is worth waiting because students are given the opportunity to immerse themselves in their real world of work.”

The department hoped that this program would be sustained for many years. _{[Mary Jane D. Bravo]}