Legazpi’s DwBS-AM Marks 18th Anniversary

LEGAZPI City, Oct. 11, 2009- "DwBS will continue to play its role in society through its relevant programs and in spreading the Good News," thus said Bishop Lucilo Quiambao during the Thanksgiving Mass marking the station's 18th anniversary and re-launch recently.

The region's second Catholic radio station has survived its most difficult challenges and will continue its mission as an effective medium in bringing the faith closer to the people, he said.

The occasion also marked its transfer to its new location at the heart of the city's business district.

The 77-year old bishop recalled then CBCP's Commission on Social Communications and Mass Media executive secretary Fr. James B. Reuter, SJ encouraged the members of the CBCP to establish their own radio stations across the country.

He said the Diocese of Sorsogon was the first to establish its radio station in Bicol followed by Legazpi and a religious congregation in Naga City which established an FM station.

He recalled then Bishop Concordio Ma. Sarte called him along with Msgr. Ralph Salazar to put up a Catholic radio station in the area.

"Eighteen years ago, we inaugurated our radio station in Tabaco, Albay with Fr. Manuel Camu as its first director," he said. He recalled the station was transferred to the St. Gregory the Great cathedral compound in Old Albay district and much later to the former studio of now-defunct DWGW IBC Legazpi before it finally moved to Landco Business Park.

He acknowledged the efforts of its current director Fr. Pau Barandon who he said would probably lead the station "for life."

The apostolic administrator said the media, both radio and television, play an important role in society. He, however, added radio in the provinces is a "poor substitute" for television.

"Secularism has slowly crept into our society," the senior prelate said. He described the situation as alarming as the audience accepts "everything hook, line and sinker." He said Gospel values are simply substituted by worldly values.

The prelate said studies revealed an average 18 year-old has already spent 680 days of his life watching television, which is significantly higher than the 500 days spent inside the classroom.

"How much time to we spend watching EWTN compared to the time people spend watching blockbuster movies and other cable television programs," he asked.

He further said people spend more time watching television or listening to radio than reading the Holy Bible.

"The television has become the latest baby sitter with children watching programs with 'Parental Guidance' tags," he observed.

The prelate said he looks forward to having a local television station to attract more people into Church-produced programs.

Seven other priests including Catholic Media Network President Fr. Francis Lucas and DWBS Director Fr. Pau Barandon concelebrated with Bp. Quiambao. (Melo M. Acuna)