The power of radio

First of all, yours truly is Gregorio Licaros Ill, grandson of former Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) governor, the late Gregorio Licaros, the common man from Meycauayan, Bulacan who crept from poverty to the helm of banking and finance power in Asia that began in the post-World War II era up to the golden age of the 80s.

I am a broadcast journalist in different Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas (KBP) member radio stations and have paneled in some TV and media fora. Friends in the airwaves fondly call me Don Greggy. In print, you can also call me by that name. It sounds regal but in reality, Don is “Mr.” in Italian or Spanish, so just to sound unique, I allowed it to be attached to my name. But in all humility, you can just call me Greggy like my friends Julie Yap Daza and Rolly Estabillo fondly do. Originally, it was Ka Blas Ople, the dear friend of my father Greg II and my Lolo who linked the “Don” to my name when I was still a boy scout in my school days. I looked like a Don, sabi ni Ka Blas.

Since I came from a family of workers in economics, my writing background is mostly on banking and finance. Ka Blas, the illustrious founder of Samahang Plaridel (SP), was among those who encouraged me to write way back in the late 90s. I became a member of SP. The organization vamped me to produce this column for the delight and information of this paper’s readers.

Aside from my interest in public affairs, I spend my time doing works for religious and charitable institutions such as Caritas, specifically the Restorative Justice Prison Ministry founded by my late maternal grandfather, Ambassador Ramon Del Rosario. I am also active in helping orphanages such as Cribs Foundation headed by Marivic Del Rosario, wife of my uncle Ramon Del Rosario Jr., former Secretary of Finance during the Ramos administration. I also help out in CBN-Asia’s 700 club as I believe in the power and reach of broadcast evangelism. I am also a supporter of DZMM teleradyo program “Salitang Buhay” hosted by Fr. Ben San Luis and Miss Lisa Reyes every Sunday. I believe we are all stewards of God’s richness in this world. I do philanthropic work to serve as a good example to the fortunate. I don’t see anything wrong with being prosperous as long as you utilize your resources to serve and make a difference in the lives of other people.

By the way, the Year of the Dog in the Chinese Lunar Calendar is deemed a good year for the Philippine economy.

Since my journey in the media world started in radio, let me tackle first this story about the celebration of Radio Day at the Tanada Hall of the Senate where four outstanding ladies in Philippine sports got together in an event hosted by the energetic Sen. Cynthia Villar.

Good to know that the United Nations (UN) recognized the importance of the radio medium through the celebration of the World Radio Day.

Magsaysay laureate Cecile Guidote-Alvarez, director of the Earthsavers and UNESCO Artist for Peace, said this year’s theme: “Radio and Sports” is focused on gender equality in sports broadcasting, sports for peace and development initiatives and coverage of traditional sports. She also delivered the message of UNESCO Director General Audrey Azoulay.

The proclamation of World Radio Day every February 13 was initiated by UNESCO in the hope of encouraging decision-makers and those who work in radio broadcasting to establish and provide access to information and to diversify the content dedicated to the truth and appropriate educational, cultural and public awareness activities.

Among the panelists in the event were: Airwoman First Class Hidilyn Diaz, an Olympics silver medalist in weighlifting, Eduardo Robles, Jr., President of Stallion Gilligan’s Football Club who utilizes sports for peace and prevention of drug addiction among out-of-school youths, sports broadcaster and former tennis champion Dyan Castillejo, champion swimmer Akiko Thomson and Women in Sports awardee of the International Olympic Committee in Lausanne Switzerland and Gymnastics Association of the Philippines (GAP) president, Cynthia Carreon. Also present were women arnis athletes Anjeanette Brilliantes, Rosemarie Fostanes, and Kristine Valiente.

The message of the UN Secretary General Antonio Gutierres was read by Manila United Nations Information Officer Teresa Debuque. Akala ko ba gender equality, bakit puro sigang babae ang bida?

The Radio and Sports Forum in the Philippine Senate likewise paid tribute to all broadcasters in public service.

Kampeon talaga ang radio pagdating sa pagpapalaganap ng impormasyon.

Almost 75 years ago, the nightmarish and brutal Japanese occupation in the Philippines started to collapse when Gen. Douglas MacArthur landed in Palo, Leyte on October 20, 1944. It was announced on radio all over the country. The much-awaited liberation of the nation from the Japanese forces in 1945 was also aired on radio.

The UN deserves our loudest applause for this global recognition on radio broadcasting.

By the way, it was Sen. Villar and Rep. Gary Alejano who passed the resolutions that established the celebration of Radio Day annually in the Philippines beginning in 2013.

This column is yours. You may email your comments and reactions to dongreggy2018@yahoo.com.ph