Radio enthusiasts and aspiring radio operators hurdle the Amateur and Commercial Radio Operators’ Examination which took place on Saturday, Oct. 8, 2023, at Cotabato State University (CotSU), in Cotabato City. The Ministry of Transportation and Communications (MOTC) organized the event in collaboration with the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC). (Faisal Camsa Jr./BIO)
COTABATO CITY—A total of 500 aspiring radio operators from various radio groups and organizations across BARMM undertook the Amateur and Commercial Radio Operators’ Examination on Oct. 8, held at Cotabato State University (CSU) in this city.
The Bangsamoro Telecommunications Commission (BTC) of the Ministry of Transportation and Communications (MOTC), in collaboration with the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC), led the examination to determine whether radio operators are qualified for the privileges provided by an Amateur Radio License.
Engineer Omar Marzoc, BTC Chief of the Enforcement and Operations Division, said all amateur radio operators should understand the rules and regulations with sufficient knowledge and expertise.
“Every amateur radio operator must thoroughly understand the responsibilities that are needed to operate his amateur radio properly,” Marzoc said.
Accordingly, passers of the corresponding examination will entitle them to obtain a license in order to operate radio stations, as well as get their ‘call signs’.
“To become a Licensed Radio Amateur, one must have a license for the operation and a unique name or call sign. This is in accordance with the law,” Engineer Marzoc further emphasized.
A radio call sign is a unique identifier that is assigned to an amateur radio operator. It is used to identify the operator and their location and is typically a combination of letters and numbers.
The examination mainly covers radio theory, rules and regulations, operating practices, amateur radio practice, signals, frequencies and emissions, circuit components, operating procedures, and radio wave propagation, among others.
Hassana Balito, 43, from Barira, Maguindanao del Norte, one of the examinees, wished to pass the assessment since radio is one way to communicate with her family in urban areas.
“Once you have your license, it’s time to start and enjoy learning and see the importance of radio particularly in communication in urban areas,” she said.
“It also gave me a chance to become a radio station anchor. Once you can get your license, you can use the radio equipment anytime, whenever you want,” she added.
Examinees are required to achieve a minimum passing rate of 70 percent, in order to qualify for the amateur radio license. (Johaira Sahidala/BIO)
