Volunteers see role as media ministry partners

January 7, 2013 • in News & Events

Amidst impending bad weather due to low-pressure area (LPA) affecting the island of Mindanao, 44 participants from the Adventist Churches in Mati City and suburbs arrived in high spirits, to attend the first Media Volunteers Workshop, January 3 and 4, at the Globesite Adventist Church, Barangay Dahican, Mati City.

The participants joyfully role-played as radio hosts and reporters before each of them was put live on air at DXME 94.3 FM, a Seventh-day Adventist Church-operated station in Mati City.

“I didn’t know it was that scary to answer very simple questions from the radio host,” says Jimjinel Ortiz, a 14-year old participant, who came along with his father, James.

“I love this workshop! It makes me yearn more for trainings to help us know better of our responsibilities as church members and partners in the media ministry of the Church,” confessed Elpidio Ulgasan, a participant who also has an eighth-month old program in another radio station.

Mr. Rhoen P Catolico, manager of the Adventist Media Center – Davao, made the workshop very much alive as participants were asked to produce a script and recording output for the topic on Fundamentals of Audio Production,  on January 3. The following day, January 4, was spent on how to gather data for news reporting and participants were asked to role-play as hosts and reporters.

“I normally leave all the talking and public relations to our local church officers and elders,” said Japhet Plenos who makes a living by driving a motorized vehicle. “I did not regret having asked my employer to miss working for two days to come to this workshop. This training has made me realized that as a church member, I carry a big responsibility to let the people know why and how we, as a church exists. I enjoyed doing the recording, mixing, and on-the-spot reporting!”

In his commitment message, Catolico said, “Our job is not just about getting on board and talk in front of the microphone and when the program is over, that’s about it! Our job is to create connections with the community, establish the bridge of hope, and proclaim God’s saving grace!”

“Make yourself available at all times, and you will see God’s marvelous ways working in you,” he challenged.

The event ended with everyone having their names on the volunteer list trying to get a spot to assist in the broadcast schedule of the station.

Adventist Media, is the official media arm of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Davao, which oversees productions for Hope Channel, Hope Radio, HopeNet, and CreativeHope.

By Candy G Javilles, BS Mathematics – III
Davao Oriental State College of Science and Technology
Mati City