Biliran Gov. Gerard Espina wants to require radio stations to play local music

Biliran Gov. Gerard Espina. Image from his Facebook page.

TACLOBAN CITY — Biliran Gov. Gerard Roger Espina has urged the provincial board to pass an ordinance mandating all local radio stations in the province to play Biliranon music at least an hour daily.

Espina said the initiative aims to preserve and promote the province’s rich cultural heritage while supporting local artists.

“This is a step forward in ensuring that our local talents receive the recognition and support they deserve,” Espina said.

Under his proposal, all AM and FM radio stations in the province are required to allocate a one-hour time slot each day exclusively for Biliranon music, defined as songs composed, written, or performed by Biliranon artists or those highlighting the identity of Biliran.

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At present, there are two existing FM stations operating across the province, and are based at the provincial capital of Naval — Radyo Natin Naval, and Love Ko Naval Nice Radio.

Espina also wanted the one-hour slot to be scheduled between 6 a.m. and 10 p.m., with radio stations required to announce the time slot at least once per hour during their broadcasts.

Radio stations are also directed to submit monthly compliance reports to the Provincial Tourism Office (PTO), detailing the songs aired and the time slots allocated.

To assist radio stations in curating their playlists, the provincial government, through the PTO, will maintain a database of Biliranon artists and their works.

Penalties will be imposed for radio stations that will fail to comply with the directive.

For the first offense, a written warning from the provincial government will be issued.

In the next offense, the radio station will be required to pay a fine of P5,000

For the third and subsequent offenses, a fine of P10,000 will be imposed and a potential suspension of the station’s business permit for up to six months.

The PTO was tasked to monitor the ordinance’s implementation.

Citizens and organizations were also encouraged to report the radio station’s failure to comply with the order.