Church media network to help in disaster preparedness efforts

MANILA, Philippines - The Catholic Media Network (CMN) hopes to help in disaster preparedness efforts with a recently concluded seminar on "Effective Disaster Management Using Media" in Manila. CMN President Fr. Francis Lucas said they will pursue their network-produced Radio School on-the-air on Disaster preparedness, management and response. "Broadcasters from Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao have been equipped with technical know-how on community-based radio through its Sagip Buhay program, a tie-up with the Office of Civil Defense/National Disaster Coordinating Council," said Fr. Lucas in a statement on the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines website Friday. National Office on Mass Media (NOMM) Director Fr. James Reuter said radio continues to saturate the countryside, and CMN will serve people with independence, credibility and good reputation. Reuter said that from an original of seven radio stations, there are now 54 Catholic radio stations across the country with 87 dialects used in its news and information programs. Seminar resource persons included Phivolcs Director Dr. Renato Solidum, Jr., MGB Senior Science Research Specialist Karlo Queano, PAGASA's Dr. Frisco Nilo, Office of Civil Defense Director Susan Cruz, RGMA President Mike Enriquez and Reporter's Notebook host Jiggy Manicad. - GMANews.TV