SENATOR GRACE Poe stressed the indispensable role of the broadcast networks as she steered the approval of four bills that seek to grant franchise to four stations, including that of the University of the Philippines System.

The Senate approved on third and final reading the franchise bids of Davao City Radio Broadcasting Station, Palawan Broadcasting Corp, Highland Broadcasting Network Corp. and UP.

Poe said allowing more stations to operate will enable residents in remote ares to have unimpeded access to information during the pandemic.

“In a number of areas in the provinces, radio and television remain the people’s window to the world and their neighbor communities, not to mention their source of daily up-to-date local news,” said Poe, chairperson of the public services committee.

“Through earthquakes and typhoons, floods and political turmoil, the locals know they can count on their TV and radio to get the latest updates and to know what to do,” she added.

Broadcast stations will also be useful partners of the government in the Covid19 vaccination campaign, informing the people where to get the doses, who are eligible to get vaccinated and other timely and relevant information, the senator added.

Poe hailed the setting up of the Davao City Radio Broadcasting Station, a community radio for emergency response and preparedness.

The Palawan Broadcasting Corp. had started airing news, education and entertainment.

Radio DZUP has also evolved from being a music program and talk show, Poe said.

“Communities that are informed and enlightened are empowered, and broadcast networks are instrumental in making these happen,” she declared.