Tarlac State University formally opened its radio station, 87.5 Firefox Radio, through a launching program on September 10, 2019 at the College of Arts and Social Sciences Mini Theatre Room, Smith Hall.
Firefox Radio is the first campus radio established in the Tarlac Province. During the program, Dr. Aloysius T. Madriaga, CASS Dean, expressed his pride and happiness in this milestone of the college and the university.
“Sobrang masaya kami. It’s a dream for the university. Let’s patronize our own, let’s listen to 87.5 Firefox Radio,’ said Dr. Madriaga.
The said radio station is under the supervision of the CASS-Communication Department with Ms. Janice De La Cruz, program chairperson, as station manager and is operated by Prof. Winifredo Luis and Mr. Michael John Hipolito, faculty members dubbed as in-house radio jockeys.
Prof. Luis or RJ Louie B is on air every Tuesdays and Thursdays, 10:00-11:00 AM while Mr. Hipolito or RJ Mhack is heard every Wednesdays and Fridays, 10:00-11:00 AM.
Aside from the in-house RJs, Firefox Radio also chose six student radio jockeys through auditions spearheaded by the Communication Department. The student RJs are Shada Mashael Manuntag from the College of Business and Accountancy, Carlson Dave Pelayo from the College of Engineering and Technology, Jericho Miguelle Valencia and Mariko Campos from the College of Teacher Education, and Bealyssa Bianca Basto and Reignchill Kraiz Bactad from the College of Arts and Social Sciences. They will be on air from Tuesday to Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:15 PM.
The official airtime of Firefox Radio is from Tuesday to Friday starting at 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
Its segments include daily morning English news, afternoon Tagalog news, radio drama, public service announcements, TSU President’s Hour, and academic, administration and finance, and research and extension time slots.
The envisioning and planning of the Firefox Radio started with Dr. Agnes M. Macaraeg, former dean of CASS. It was initially planned as a laboratory for radio production classes, but now it will also cater to the entire TSU community.
“Maswerte ang mga [BA Communication] batches ngayon kasi hindi na tayo makiki-squat sa Love Radio at 96.1 kasi meron na tayong sarili. Pangalawa po, ito pong radio station natin ay para din sa community; para hindi lang sa Facebook nag-uupdate kung wala ba tayong klase,” Dela Cruz said in her speech.
The blessing of the studio and facilities was held last July 25, 2019. [Maria Adelaida Calayag]