Seventeen
years ago, on March 16, 1991, DZWM-Work of Mary was dedicated
to the service of the Church for evangelization and nation building.
Seven years thereafter DWTJ-FM came into existence to cater to
the youth evangelization.
The
Catholic Radio Station of the Diocese of Alaminos, DZWM-AM 864
Khz & DWTJ-FM 99.3 Mhz, are the fruits of the partnership
between the Diocese of Alaminos and the parish of Liebfrauen,
in Zurich, Switzerland.
In
the desire of Liebfrauen parish to live in solidarity with the
third world church; it has forged a partnership with the Diocese
of Alaminos by putting a radio station with a 5-KW transmitter
that broadcasts primarily to the whole province of Pangasinan,
northern Zambales, La Union, Ilocos Sur, Benguet and some parts
of Nueva Vizcaya, Nueva Ecija, Tarlac, Pampanga, and Ilocos Norte
with a total population of about 6.5 million people.
As
agents of change and moral renewal, the catholic radio station
of Alaminos has been the voice of the voiceless. We make our audience
participate in the programs and discussions, especially to “poor”
who do not have the means to air their grievances to the concern
agencies to respond to their needs.
It
is worthwhile to note that DZWM-AM has been a recipient of various
citations: “Best Program for Promoting Culture and Art”
besting over around 800 radio stations throughout the Philippine
archipelago; “Likas Yaman Award”, Region I “Best
Environment Broadcast Campaign” and Recognition Award from
68IB Officers and Men of the Armed Forces of the Philippines for
complementing the peace efforts of the government.
In
this third millennium, both DZWM-AM & DWTJ-FM continues to
be heralds to the GOOD NEWS of God’s plan of salvation.
The
Hopes and Purpose of the Radio Station
The
radio station is dedicated to the Work of Mary. It is then primarily
for evangelization, to spread the Word of God and to inform the
people towards total human development, since it is a medium that
penetrates every home and has a far reaching effect.
With
the radio, the people are given alternative; they will be able
to listen to programs that are value-laden.
Through
the use of different program formats, the Church fulfills her
role as ‘magisterium’ by teaching the doctrines, social
teachings, catechesis and the Bible through the radio. Liturgical
celebrations are also aired so that those who cannot attend Mass
are not totally deprived of the celebrations. The lay faithful
also are able to update themselves with news from within and outside
of the diocese. Social development programs like responsible parenthood,
nutrition, health and other social services are being aired to
guide the people and help them develop skills and deepen their
knowledge on related issues. One aim that the radio station has
is conscience formation to enable people to participate in providing
solutions to problems or to take collective efforts or to make
a stand against an issue whether it may be on economic, political,
socio-culture and the environment.
The
Strategy
To
help achieve the hopes of the radio station, a support mechanism
known as community-based broadcast analysis has been developed.
The community workers teach the people how to analyze the programs
aired over the radio and discuss among themselves the result of
the analysis which then serves as their guide in the action they
will take.
The
community also undertakes regular reflection sessions with the
assistance of pastoral workers, through this learning’s,
faith becomes participatory.
