The Society of Communicators And Networkers International (SCAN) officers and members held the Amateur Radio and voice over internet protocol (VoIP) interactive seminars on August 2 and 3, 2024, in many ecclesiastical districts throughout the Philippines.

A part of the Iglesia Ni Cristo (Church Of Christ)’s 110th anniversary celebration on July 27, the activity also aimed at further developing SCAN members’ skills in radio communication, particularly in airwaves awareness, as well as being adept in integrating the medium to internet use.

In Luzon region of the country, SCAN members from 36 local congregations of the Ecclesiastical District of Batac City, Ilocos Norte gathered for the seminar at a covered court in Barangay Pacifico, Marcos, Ilocos Norte on August 3. Those of the Ecclesiastical District of Bataan held theirs a day earlier at a mall in Balanga, Bataan.

In the Visayas region, the Ecclesiastical District of Aklan conducted the activity also on August 3 at the Barangay New Busuang multi-purpose hall in Kalibo, Aklan participated in by SCAN members from 35 local congregations.

The Ecclesiastical Districts of Pagadian City, Zamboanga Del Sur and Zamboanga Sibugay in Mindanao likewise held the seminar the same day. In Pagadian City, delegates from 55 local congregations attended the seminar conducted at the house of worship of the Local Congregation of Tawagan Norte in Labangan town, Zamboanga Del Sur; in Zamboanga Sibugay, at the Budgetwise Recreational Area in the municipality of Ipil. Attendees came from the 25 local congregations. The seminars in the said districts were facilitated by their respective SCAN district presidents.

“During all the seminars, the different types of radio were discussed; having a pertinent (communication) license was highlighted. Also introduced was the use of internet and mobile phone applications in our on-air communications,” shared Henry Baluyot, SCAN president of the Local Congregation of Sabatan, Bataan. “I’ve learned a lot. I’ve become more confident using radio equipment.”

“The knowledge that we’ve received today truly enhanced our skills as communicators and responders. This way, we can be more innovative in what we do,” added Renato Ibatuan, SCAN president of Lingsat Congregation, Batac, Ilocos Norte.

Noble purpose

Being tasked to render assistance to both Church members and nonmembers alike, SCAN members “have become even more eager to perform our tasks through this activity we held, bearing in mind and heart the biblical principle of helping others in need,” said SCAN district president Percival Relimbo, of the Local Congregation of Feliciano on brethren’s behalf.  

Aside from technical know-how and related information discussed during the seminar proper, team-building activities were also held as part of the program, thereby strengthening the bond among SCAN members. — With reports from Danilo Benedicto Jr. and Romy Coveta