Two-way Radios And The Amateur Radio Hobby

My interest in radios began when I got the chance to use one for an event. I had fun during my time using it and began to wonder what are the other practical uses of a radio. I had the prior knowledge that the use of radios need a proper licensed that is issued by the government particularly by the FCC in the U.S. of A. and the NTC here in the Philippines. So my search started there and yielded the results I needed to dive into this newfound hobby. The term for hobbyists and enthusiasts of radios was called the Amateur Radio. This is comprised of people all around the world using the radio as their toy, a mean of communication that amidst all the technology around such as the Internet cannot beat this type of communication. Mainly because, the Internet relies on the same technology as radios to communicate. After further research about the requirements on applying for a radio amateur license, I immediately searched for a local group that can help me learn more and achieve more in using radios. The group that I joined was named Ham Radio Cebu, Inc. and this group aside from being just ordinary radio operators made good use of their skills by being a volunteer associated with the disaster risk and management council of the country. Their role? Communications Responders. How cool is that! Whenever there are calamities, we are called to service to establish a direct communications network to maintain coordination in the area of responsibility of the area affected. I am truly proud of this group even though I am a bit intimidated by the pros but they are friendly though, willing to help newbies like myself. Joining and amateur radio group is a prerequisite in applying for a license here in the Philippines. It is a made as such so that those who want to become radio amateurs can learn better and pass the examinations and also to give opportunity to be of service to others that will follow.

But due to this pandemic, examinations are still on hold but it also gives us more time to learn and study more. It also gives me time to practice the skills by joining daily netcalls and conversing every now and then to my licensed superiors. I know that using the radio unlicensed is a violation but aside from studying more on theories, there must also be experience to solidify the knowledge and to increase our skills, after all when emergency comes, we are all called to serve and help. A radio was once a thing that was mundane to me but now I see how significant it really is and I want it part of my EDC really badly. When everything else fails, there’s always the amateur radio. Cheerio!