Philippines - In an ongoing effort to get vital information out to communities in the Central Philippines affected by Typhoon Haiyan, IOM has launched an interactive live radio programme called Tindog Kita! (Rise Together!).

The programme, produced in partnership with Tacloban-based station 98.7FM Radyo Abante, invites guests onto every show to discuss pressing issues including protection, shelter, health and sanitation and encourages listeners to text in with questions.

IOM Philippines Communications with Communities (CwC) coordinator Daryl Dano stressed the hunger among Haiyan survivors for access to information about the humanitarian response.

“In the absence of reliable information, rumours spread like wildfire, which creates anxiety and insecurity amongst communities. Radio is a powerful tool for relaying accurate information to communities in a still fragile environment. It is essential that a two-way communication be established between the community and respondents to ensure engagement and understanding,” she said.

“On our maiden airing on the topic of trafficking and counter-trafficking we received 89 text messages from listeners, which is a fantastic response, especially considering that a number of places still don’t have connection to electricity,” she added.

Tindog Kita! is aired on Radyo Abante every Saturday from 7 – 8 a.m. Radyo Abante, formerly known as First Response Radio, was set up by an international non-profit network of radio technicians immediately after the typhoon hit and broadcasts for eight hours a day. The programmes can be heard up to 50km from Tacloban.

For more information, please contact

Daryl Dano
IOM Manila
Email: ddano@iom.int