Sinagtala ISYU 2
SEPTEMBER 2019
The struggle of finding one’s purpose FEATURE
The first radio drama series of Equal Access International Philippines hit its first airing a month ago across four radio stations in Mindanao. The series, called Saranggola (“Kite”), is one of EAI’s participatory media approaches in generating social and behavioral change on preventing and transforming violent extremism among target vulnerable communities and audiences. But, why Saranggola? their parents and his three younger Saranggola follows the story of sisters were massacred for a crime his Omar, an 18-year old boy from a Muslim father had been accused of. community of Balabao. But like Akmad, Omar struggled in Back in the days of his young life, finding his true purpose, and peace from Omar had a strong admiration for kites within that he needed after years of while playing with his brother, Akmad, carrying the burden of hopelessness and who left him and went to join a rebel lack of self-determination. He eventually group called the Al Sinaan. grew up believing that he could no longer Akmad, in one of the pilot episodes be a better version of himself, settling for of Saranggola, mentioned this while he less, and never wanting more. reminisced the good old days with his Saranggola as a story is more than younger brother, Omar. just the personal struggles faced by its The plot thickens after the succeeding characters. It also depicts the threats episodes revealed the reasons behind their community is facing such as the Akmad’s union with the rebel group, rise of violent extremism, the divided showing the opposing sides of his cooperation among constituents, and character as being smart, talented yet an impulsive young man. This happened ten years ago when
the acceptance of the change the Moro people have long been fighting for. Though fictional in nature, the radio drama series is inspired from and a commentary on different social issues and concepts including the idea of the Bangsamoro Regional Law (or the Bangsamoro Organic Law). As the series unfolds, the question that begs to be answered is how do each of the characters create that positive social change in the community when they themselves struggle in finding their true purpose and potential? The 48-episode radio drama is divided into three key themes -- youth empowerment, w o m e n empowerment, and
governance. It highlights the life of its main protagonists Omar, Hadja Patima and Radiya who represent each of the theme respectively. It airs every Thursday and Friday on EAI’s four partner radio stations in Mindanao. 5.00-5.30 PM DXND Radyo Bida Kidapawan 747 khz AM 5.00-5.30 PM DXND Radyo Bida Koronadal 963 khz AM 5.00-5.30 PM DXXX Radyo Pilipinas Network 1008 khz AM 7.00-7.30 PM DXOC Radyo Asenso 1494 khz The series also streams online through Equal Access International Philippines Facebook page. Irish Calungsod