KIDAPAWAN CITY -- For the fourth time, Usapang Pambata, a 30-minute weekly radio program aired every Saturday over dxND of the Notre Dame Broadcasting Corporation (NDBC), was chosen as "Best in Children's Radio Program" by the Kapisanan ng mga Brodkasters ng Pilipinas (KBP) during its 17th Golden Dove Awards held on November 17 at Taal Vista Hotel in Tagaytay City.

The program is hosted by Jessa Mariel Parreno, April Dyan Gumanao, and Rae Marie Manar, all second year high school students of the Kidapawan City National High School Science Curriculum.

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It has been in the airwaves for more than half a decade since it was launched as part of North Cotabato Provincial Government's Early Childhood Care and Development (ECCD) program.

The Usapang Pambata won the same award in four consecutive years since 2005.

One more award and the program will be included in the "Hall of Fame" of the KBP's Golden Dove Awards, according to its program director Aurora Madreguera-Parreno.

The program with a radio magazine format tackles issues and concerns of children, including care for environment, peace, and cultural solidarity.

"Through the program, we try to stimulate the creativity of the children," said Parreno.

As of now, according to Parreno, the Usapang Pambata team and the Provincial Government are in the process of establishing networks composed of five children correspondents in five ECCD areas in North Cotabato.

"This will help us understand the issues and concerns of children in other areas using the radio program," said Parreno.

Funding for the program comes from the province's Council for the Welfare of Women and Children, through its ECCD program.

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(November 18, 2008 issue)
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