Recognizing the power of VHF radios and walkie-talkies in emergency response, event coordination, and evangelism, the Communication Departments of the Southeastern Philippine Union Mission (SePUM) and Davao Mission (DM) partnered with the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) Region 11 to host the Restricted Land Mobile Radio Operators Seminar at the Davao Mission Conference Hall. This initiative aligns with Republic Act No. 3846, the Radio Control Law, which governs radio communications in the Philippines.
The National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) Region XI, through its Director, Mr. Nelson T. Cañete, conducted a series of Restricted Radio Operators' Land Mobile (RLM) Permit Seminars for Adventist workers, pastors, and communication partners across the Southeastern Philippine Union Mission (SePUM) territory. The RLM Orientation initiative was made possible through the leadership of the SePUM Communication Department, headed by Mr. Rhoen Peralta Catolico, Communication and Media Director.
The seminar gathered 50 DM workers, 14 SePUM personnel, and 6 members of Walkie Talkie God’s Ministry (WATAGOM)—a group using VHF radios to reach remote communities in Jose Abad Santos, Davao Occidental and church members surrounding the Northern Davao headquarters in Tagum City. In areas where mobile signals fail, these “old-fashioned devices” become lifelines for emergency coordination, Bible Study on the Air, and Takna sa Pag-ampo, a prayer broadcast for all sectors.
Director Cañete explained that the NTC safeguards the invisible commodity of airwaves, regulating frequency, power, and equipment to prevent interference. Only NTC-approved radios may be used, and each operator must identify their station using a unique call sign—making walkie-talkies ideal for organized group communication.
Ma’am Cheryl Lin-ao Hodge, DM Communication and Community Director, emphasized the urgency of sharing the gospel, citing Matthew 24:14. She thanked the NTC and all participants for their united mission to broadcast the most vital message every soul must hear.
Following the success of the first leg in Davao City, the second seminar was conducted on November 6, 2025, at the Northern Davao Mission (NDM) headquarters in Tagum City. Participants included administrators, departmental directors, field pastors, and local church leaders from surrounding districts and congregations.
The session was facilitated by Pr. Em Vladimir Undalok, Communication Director of Northern Davao Mission, in close coordination with SePUM and NTC Region XI. The discussions covered essential topics such as radio operation policies, frequency management, licensing procedures, and responsible use of communication devices during church and community activities.
Catolico said that these seminars are part of a broader effort to build capacity among Adventist workers and communication volunteers, "Whether we like it or not, technology is here to stay, and it keeps getting better. However, we are moving toward responsible and mission-driven communication. Technology, when used wisely, can strengthen our network of hope and make our outreach more effective."
NTC Region 11 Director Nelson T. Cañete underscored the importance of the Restricted Radiotelephone Operator’s Certificate (RLMOC) for those operating land mobile radio stations. With humor and insight, he remarked, “Adventists are obedient to the Ten Commandments of God, but today I discovered they also obey the 11th—the laws of the NTC.”
SePUM leaders, Pastor Danielo Palomares, Pr. Edwin Magdadaro, and Elder Laurence Lamera, along with DM administrators led by Pastor Reynaldo Merin, personally thanked Director Cañete and his team. While in the Northern Davao Mission, Pr. Seth Suan, NDM president also thanked Director Cañete for his time, amidst his very hectic schedule. They prayed for Director Cañete and for the orientation and license processing will also cover other missions of the territory in the coming days.
Let us, then, be like the first angel of Revelation—proclaiming the eternal gospel to every nation, tribe, language, and people. May our licensed walkie-talkies echo the endurance of the saints, those who keep God’s commandments and hold fast to their faith in Jesus
