A radio program that makes listeners speak their mind

Gone are the days when radio personalities on AM stations used to do all the talking in their programs about pressing issues affecting multitudes of Filipinos here and abroad. Listeners can now join in the on-air discussion and get the freedom to voice out their concerns, air grievances or give comments and suggestions by phoning in or sending text messages to radio programs.    

Magpayo Nga Kayo is a DZMM Saturday morning show that encourages listeners to speak their mind on matters involving the country’s welfare. Hosts May Valle-Ceniza and lawyer Joey Lina emphasize the importance of making the people think and propose solutions to issues that may directly affect them or their families.

“It’s different when you hear the voice of the people than (by just) listening to subject matter experts because they are actually the ones who have been in the situation or experiencing what have become top issues in the country,” said May on the concept of having ordinary citizens phoning in the show and giving pieces of advice. “Ito talaga ‘yung malapit sa bituka kung tawagin. They are directly affected by these issues like for example the increase in prices of goods or tuition. Therefore, it can easily gauge the effect of an issue to many people.”

There’s also interaction among listeners, shared Joey. After one caller, there’s another caller who will react to the opinion of the previous caller. It only proves how the public is so engaged in the topic.

“But there’s another audience. (It’s) not just the general public but the decision makers in our society — whether those in the government or in the private sector. By knowing the sentiments of the people, the leaders can do something about the issues or problems being presented and the opinion of the people. That can form a good basis for policy-makers to craft laws or for executives to implement certain programs that addressed the problems including the sentiments of the people.”

Some politicians, Joey said, take into consideration suggestions made by the public through Magpayo Nga Kayo. He pointed out how the issue regarding SSS pension of members caught the attention of some senators. “They issued statements on what to do. The discussion on traffic situation also made an impact.”

May never denied that there are callers too tough to control. They try to calm them down or completely stop them in a polite manner. By the way, May initially worked as a production assistant in ABS-CBN before her promotion as an executive producer of DZMM and then she was promoted again as events head of the Kapamilya AM radio arm. “My regular job is being the head of events for DZMM. I do Magpayo Nga Kayo on weekends and the show has been running on the air for 17 years now.”

Being used to dealing with different people, do they still get the jitters?

“Not really until there are some text messages or comments that we get, saying that we are biased,” May replied. “Medyo nakaka-offend but of course, we have to control them and maintain balance. This is a freewheeling show where they can say whatever they want, except foul words.”

Joey agreed and said, “No jitters. But May and I have to prepare. We do our own research aside from some (provided) research materials on the issue so that we can intelligently intervene or discuss the issue with the callers.”

(Magpayo Nga Kayo airs on DZMM Radyo Patrol 630 and DZMM TeleRadyo every Saturday at 9:30 a.m.)