Preaching the Good news has been and still is the reason for being of the Order of Preachers, also known as the Dominicans. Since its founding by Santo Domingo de Guzman in the early 13th century, it did this mission mainly on the pulpit.
That mode of preaching by the Dominicans in the Philippines had to change with the introduction of Radyo Manaoag in June 29, 2008 by Fr. Gallardo “Butch” Bombase, Jr. O.P. It is now called Manaoag Dominican Radio at 102.5 FM. One can find the complete history of Radyo Manaoag on its website, radyomanaoag.com For our purposes here, it is sufficient to quote from the Founder’s Message this:
“It is our dream that this radio becomes an instrument where we Evangelize, Catechize, Sanctify and Serve that the voice of God be heard through His Word and Life”… the songs we play, the prayers we recite, may they heal you and give all of us the graces of God.”
Fr. Butch was unstoppable in his desire to utilize the radio as a new medium of preaching. He was able to get the help of some of his enthusiastic friends including one of the Filii’s founders, Fray Mike Plana who donated the medium power radio station. Fray Alex Capitulo also sent a Dominator FM Antenna which enabled it to reach a wider audience. The Filii will be donating a medium power transmitter to UST-Legaspi where Fr. Butch is presently based; that is in addition to a BARIX station Link which Filii sent last year. Needless to say, this project is expanding and Filii is fully on board to support it in any means possible.
This preaching ministry by the use of radio has indeed widened its audience. This FM broadcast stations are now available in most of the schools and convents of the Order of Preachers of the Philippine Province. Let us continue to give support to this endeavor both financially and in our prayers and by listening to its daily broadcast ourselves. The Good News, good reflections and good music await us.
We would like to also acknowledge the involvement of Fr. Larry Faraon, Fr. Sonny Ramirez, OP from Radio Veritas days from whom Fr. Butch got his inspiration. Long live Radyo Manaoag!
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Editors’ Note: The Dominican Province of the Philippines has seven (7) Radio Stations that are used for evangelization and sharing the Good News:
1. Radyo Dominiko ng Calayan 99.9 FM
2. Radyo Dominiko ng Manaoag 102.5 FM
3. Letran College Calamba 103.9 FM Knight Radio
4. Letran College Abucay 87.9 FM Arriba Campus Radio
5. Angelicum College Quezon City 87.5 FM
6. UST-Aquinas University, Legazpi 107.5 Good News Radio
7. University of Santo Tomas’ Tiger Radio (internet-based).
Your help and assistance to Radyo Dominiko, whether in prayers or in kind, will definitely go a long way in this endeavor of reaching out to the faithful.
*with information contributed by Fray Alex Capitulo (Long Beach, CA) of Filii North America.
