ANDANAR SEES NEED FOR RADIO REINTRODUCTION TO ‘MODERN AGE

By Ruth Abbey Gita-Carlos

Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Martin Andanar on Saturday emphasized the need to reintroduce the radio industry, given that advanced technology continues to dominate the world.

He made the statement, as he joined the celebration of World Radio Day.

“As the world enters a new dawn of technology, it becomes increasingly essential to acknowledge earlier innovations which have set the foundation of what we, as humans, can achieve. It’s high time that we reintroduce the radio to the modern age,” he said in a press statement. radio’s capacity to “evolve, innovate, and connect.“

He recalled that radio, at its inception in 1895, was merely an experiment carried out by a young man in his parent’s attic.

“Despite the circumstances, he managed to make a device which can receive signals without the support of wiring. For the first time in history, a person’s voice had the ability to reach an audience the size of a nation,” he said.

Radio, he said, then evolved from a simple machine, to a “hallmark of modern civilization which can shape nations, form cultures, and improve lives.”

“Eventually, it was recognized as one of mankind’s greatest technological achievements,” he said.

Andanar also acknowledged that radio has been a substantial part of Filipino life for nearly a century. He said the voices of radio have undoubtedly influenced Filipinos’ thinking, starting from their taste in music to the personalities they choose to hear.

“More than that, the voices of radio helped shape the nation by bringing civic awareness to the masses. By recognizing radio as a powerful catalyst for cultural growth and social responsibility, these voices fueled our society’s dedication towards good governance,” he said.

Andanar was optimistic that the celebration of World Radio Day would remind everyone of the radio’s humble beginnings, its platform for democratic discourse, and its dedicated service to the Philippines.

“Its power to connect to farflung areas, beyond the reach of the internet, has saved countless lives. In times of natural disasters, the radio is essential in conducting rescue operations and relief efforts as its wide availability ensures that no Filipino is left behind,” he said. (PNA) February 13-19, 2021 | 47

The United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in 2011 declared February 13 of every year as World Radio Day.

World Radio Day is celebrated to recognize radio’s vital role as a powerful communication tool to reach a wide audience.

Joining the UNESCO’s celebration of World Radio Day, Andanar emphasized the