Diocesan radio station clears House second reading

THE House of Representatives approved on Wednesday the franchise renewal of Franciscan Broadcasting Corp. on second reading.

On Wednesday’s plenary session, lawmakers approved on second reading House Bill 8741 or an act that will renew the franchise of the Negros-based diocesan radio station for another 25 years. The measure was authored by Negros Oriental Second District Rep. Manuel T. Sagarbarria and Palawan First District Rep. Franz E. Castro.

The bill aims to continue the public service of the company, known for its radio station name DYWC 801 AM kilohertz (khz), by offering its mass-based radio programs for evangelization and news purposes in Negros Oriental.

If legislated, the bill will allow the franchise “to construct, install, operate, and maintain for commercial purposes and in the public interest, radio broadcasting stations where frequencies and channels are still available for radio broadcasting.”

Mr. Sagarbarria called for the bill’s immediate approval, adding that the radio station will continue to cater to the marginalized in far-flung areas of Negros while bringing social awareness to communities.

“DYWC 801 AM khz will continuously improve and develop its radio station through meaningful broadcasting while upholding its mission of DYWC, ‘Do your work for Christ’,” he said in the plenary session. — Gillian M. Cortez