Radio system still the best in real time advisories, says NTC

The best way to relay information during disaster is through radio, the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) said. “While the internet and the short messaging system are the fad in the modern technology, we realize nothing beats the radio in relaying real time advisories,” NTC-6 Director Engr. Nestor Ernesto Monroy said in an interview with Philippine Information Agency (PIA).

“Messages through cell phones can be delayed, but radio, handheld and through the air lanes, can relay messages everywhere it can reach,” he added.

Monroy, who is considered originator of the communications and early warning system in disaster management in Western Visayas, said the NTC wants to revive and strengthen the relevance of radio.

“As long as radio operators are licensed, frequencies are provided for easy and fast communication,” Monroy said.

“Perhaps, we have noted how even bus and taxi operators or companies, barangay tanods in remote areas maximize radio as means of communication,” he further said.

He revealed that the NTC has conducted the first ever Radio Show in Manila, where radio operators, dealers, users, displayed their gadgets and resource persons talked on the importance and never-fading use of radio for communicating down to the grassroots.

The Radio Show will be replicated in the regions, as the NTC endeavors to strengthen mechanisms for its conduct.

As an on-going activity, NTC-6 takes licensing, close monitoring and regulating use of radio for better and unhampered frequencies, as among its top tasks. (JCM/ESS/PIA-Iloilo)

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