The first radio drama series of Equal Access International Philippines hit its first airing a month ago across four radio stations in Mindanao. The series, called Saranggola (“Kite”),  is one of EAI’s participatory media approaches in generating social and behavioral change on preventing and transforming violent extremism among target vulnerable communities and audiences.

But, why Saranggola?

Saranggola follows the story of Omar, an 18-year old boy from a Muslim community of Balabao.

Back in the days of his young life, Omar had a strong admiration for kites while playing with his brother, Akmad, who left him and went to join a rebel group called the Al Sinaan. Akmad, in one of the pilot episodes of Saranggola, mentioned this while he reminisced the good old days with his younger brother, Omar.

The plot thickens after the succeeding episodes revealed the reasons behind Akmad’s union with the rebel group, showing the opposing sides of his character as being smart, talented yet an impulsive young man. 

This happened ten years ago when their parents and his three younger sisters were massacred for a crime his father had been accused of. But like Akmad, Omar more so, struggled in finding his true purpose, and peace from within that he needed after years of carrying the burden of hopelessness and lack of self-determination. He eventually grew up believing that he could no longer be a better version of himself, settling for less, and never wanting more. 

Saranggola as a story is more than just the personal struggles faced by its characters. It also depicts the threats their community is facing: the rise of violent extremism, the divided cooperation among constituents, and the acceptance of the change the Moro people have long been fighting for. Though fictional in nature, the radio drama series is inspired from and a commentary on different social issues and concepts including the  idea of the Bangsamoro Regional Law (or the Bangsamoro Organic Law).

As the series unfolds, the question that begs to be answered is how do each of the characters create that positive social change in the community when they themselves struggle in finding their true purpose and potential?

The 48-episode radio drama is divided into three key themes: youth empowerment, women empowerment, and governance. It highlights the life of its main protagonists Omar, Hadja Patima and Radiya who represent each of the theme respectively. It airs every Thursday and Friday on EAI’s four partner radio stations in Mindanao:

5:00 – 5:30 PM DXND Radyo Bida Kidapawan 747 khz AM
5:00 – 5:30 PM DXND Radyo Bida Koronadal 963 khz AM
5:00 – 5:30 PM DXXX Radyo Pilipinas Network 1008 khz AM
7:00 – 7:30 PM DXOC Radyo Asenso 1494 khz 

The series also streams online through Equal Access International – Philippines Facebook page.