EFFECTIVENESS OF THE PIO HOUR: ORAS NG MAMAMAYAN

TO THE PEOPLE IN SAN JOSE CITY, NUEVA ECIJA

AMIDST COVID-19 OUTBREAK

RAINIER JOHN C. REYES

An Undergraduate Thesis Submitted to the Faculty of the Development Communication,

College of Arts and Social Sciences, Central Luzon State University,
Science City of Muñoz, Nueva Ecija, Philippines
in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirement
for the Degree of

BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN DEVELOPMENT COMMUNICATION

JULY 2021
 TABLE OF CONTENTS

PAGE

Table of Contents 1
Abstract 2-3
I. INTRODUCTION
Background of the Study 4-5
Rationale of the Study 5-6
Statement of the Problem 7
Research Objectives 7
Scope and Limitations 8
Significance of the Study 8-8
II. REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE 10-14
III. METHODOLOGY
Theoretical Framework 15
Conceptual Framework 15
Operational Definition of Terms 16
Research Design 17
Sampling Design 17
Data Collection Technique 17
Statistical Treatment of Qualitative 18
References 19-21

1
 ABSTRACT

Radio plays a significant role even before and during this pandemic, so it is

important to highlight, identify and determine the effectiveness of the PIO Hour: Oras ng

Mamamayan to the people in San Jose City, Nueva Ecija amidst COVID-19 outbreak. In

this trying time, the pandemic changed our lives and it is not easy to cope with the new

normal. Being updated with the local and developmental news in the middle of COVID-

19 outbreak is a very vital thing. It provides relevant and timely issues and helps people

to the things that are very beneficial for everyone’s welfare. The study generally aims to

determine the impact of the PIO Hour: Oras ng Mamamayan to the people, to distinguish

if the absence of awareness of people to the timely issues inside the city is existing, and

to assess the relevance of the PIO Hour: Oras ng Mamamayan to the people of San Jose

City. This study will utilize a descriptive approach to qualitative data analysis which

means that the purpose of qualitative descriptive research is to sum up individual

occurrences or particular groups daily in a comprehensive manner. Google forms will be

the method that will be used in collecting the perspectives of the respondents because the

face to face interaction is limited in this time of pandemic. This study will provide an

awareness and understanding to the residence of the city of what are the purpose and

significance of the PIO Hour: Oras ng Mamamayan. It will also give them the idea of

being practical from using radio and its accessibility to use that will be very beneficial in

this time of crises. Also, for the future researchers, this study may serve as an informative

tool for student researchers or researchers and others with the same objectives of the
2
study. This can help them gather data and information from the study this research is

learning which can develop their study to become informative and helpful for everyone’s

lives in the society. This can be a basis to support their claims for future studies. The

study could increase an important data and information according to the essentials of the

radio block-timer to identify and analyze its findings if there are some issues and

improvements to fix or gain.

3
 CHAPTER I

INTRODUCTION

Background of the Study

Rodero and Hernandez (2020) reiterated that the radio has ascertained to be a

medium that plays a vital role and provides initiatives to everyone during the pandemic.

Aside from its accessibility, radio became a trusted form of media that people rely with

and as being an efficient medium to stay up-to-date with the issues regarding the virus

across the globe. It is a significant platform to aid, help and bring solidarity to people

with the goal to help clear up the hesitations about the disease that different stations have

organized universally.

The unicef.org (2020) affirmed that the DZBB is one of the leading radio

networks in the Philippines owned by the GMA network which is airing timely and

supports the COVID-19 preventive action efforts. The radio network is providing public

service announcements (PSAs) for the people to stay informed as the world experiences

pandemic. Delivering facts and relevant information is their goal to frame the current

situation of the world specifically in the Philippines to update everyone in these trying

times.

Indeed, radio is such a significant platform to aid, help and bring solidarity to

people with the goal to help clear up the hesitations about the disease that different

stations have to organize universally. Furthermore, effectiveness of radio is interesting to

4
sightsee for further resolutions on how to propagate its prominence for one’s wealth and

relief.

Rationale of the Study

The role of the PIO Hour: Oras ng Mamamayan is very efficient and is more than

just a media channel to many people in the city. Even at the middle of the pandemic, the

block-timer become the number one platform that are trusted by the people in the city in

terms of delivering factual and timely information despite the competition from the

internet and other forms of media. It is still “in” even we are on the generation z in the

community.

Since the beginning that radio was invented, it became popular because of its

informative news that are very vital for everyone and its accessibility to use. Just a little

turn to the switch the button to skim the signal or signal reception to any near radio

networks to your location. Also, the fact that it uses local language depending where you

are located that makes it most accessible channel to all.

Radio can be considered as a tool for humanitarian communication because of its

usage and importance to the grassroots and marginalized sectors living in an

unfrequented and far-flung areas to be updated with the latest news that are airing inside

their community. In some instances, radio can also be an instrument to the communities

that are affected by the disasters in times of emergencies. Correspondingly, radio can

broadcast from a mobile phone these days. It informs and entertains listeners by the songs

5
that the other listeners requested. It also has different segments that are purposeful for

everyone’s lives with different types of content.

This study is interesting to know how can we say that the PIO Hour: Oras ng

Mamamayan is effective during this pandemic? Of what are the strategies for the people

to stay informed, to aid the mental health of everyone, and the programs and segments

they are airing for the people to have an interest and keep listening to the programs and

segment.

As we age, we are seeing radio as an effective channel to be informed at every

time regardless of the other media channels such as television which delivers with visual

presentations. But still, radio is acknowledged being the primary source of news

delivering pervasive, informative, persuasive and credible medium.

6
Statement of the Problem

The study will seek for the answers of the following problems:

1. Are all people ages eighteen (18) and above in San Jose City listening to the

PIO Hour: Oras ng Mamamayan?

2. Are all people ages eighteen (18) and above in San Jose City aware of the

latest news and updates in the city that the PIO Hour: Oras ng Mamamayan is

airing?

3. Do the people in the San Jose City ages eighteen (18) and above find the PIO

Hour: Oras ng Mamamayan interesting?

Objectives of the Study

1. To determine the impact of the PIO Hour: Oras ng Mamamayan to the people

of San Jose City, Nueva Ecija;

2. To distinguish if the absence of awareness of people to the timely issues

inside the city is existing;

3. To assess the relevance of the PIO Hour: Oras ng Mamamayan to the people

of San Jose City.

7
Scope and Limitations

This study is limited on the effectiveness of the PIO Hour; Oras ng Mamamayan

among the people in San Jose City, Nueva Ecija. Additionally, it will also determine and

identify the impact of the radio segment to the residents of the barangay. The respondents

of this study are limited to ages 18 years old and above, employed or unemployed and

college student. This research will be conducted from the month of March to May, 2021.

Significance of the Study

In this trying time, the pandemic changed our lives and it is not easy to cope with

the new normal. Being updated with the local and developmental news in the middle of

COVID-19 outbreak is a very vital thing. It provides relevant and timely issues and helps

people to the things that are very beneficial for everyone’s welfare. The multiple media

platforms specifically, radio that airs local relevant happenings, issues, projects and other

developmental goals inside the city.

The results and findings of this study were added to the body of information

regarding the effectiveness of the PIO Hour: Oras ng Mamamayan to the people of San

Jose City, Nueva Ecija in the middle of the coronavirus disease. Through this study,

people will know what PIO Hour: Oras ng Mamamayan delivers and frames that will be

very beneficial to their lives, to their loved ones and people around them.

8
 To the Residents of the City of San Jose

This study will provide an awareness and understanding of what are the purpose

and significance of the PIO Hour: Oras ng Mamamayan. It will also give them the idea of

being practical from using radio and its accessibility to use that will be very beneficial in

this time of crises.

 To the Future Researchers

This study may serve as an informative tool for student researchers or researchers

and others with the same objectives of the study. This can help them gather data and

information from the study this research is learning which can develop their study to

become informative and helpful for everyone’s lives in the society. This can be a basis to

support their claims for future studies.

9
 CHAPTER II

REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE AND STUDIES

Radio as an informative and awareness medium

The unicef.org (2020) affirmed that the DZBB is one of the leading radio

networks in the Philippines owned by the GMA network which is airing timely and

supports the COVID-19 preventive action efforts. The radio network is providing public

service announcements (PSAs) for the people to stay informed as the world experiences

pandemic. Delivering facts and relevant information is their goal to frame the current

situation of the world specifically in the Philippines to update everyone in these trying

times.

Effective communication tool during COVID-19 outbreak

Khan, Safdar & Ahmad (2021), emphasized that the radio Pakhtunkhwa provides

an important role for the awareness of the people in the community to inform people

regarding the coronavirus outbreak for the people to have their own clinic about health

issues that the radio station is airing. The study also found out that the safety measures

and precautions, protocols and health tips to avoid the virus have given by the radio

station such as the proper way of disinfection and sanitation in every household regularly

were highly focused by the segments to effectively apply and educate the residents of the

community.

10
Significance of Information Communication Technologies (ICTs)

According to Lee, Malcein and Kim (2021), Information Communication

Technologies (ICTs) are very efficient before and most especially in this time of

pandemic because these ICTs are used for gathering and disseminating data and

information for everyone and for social contact. Correspondingly, it is significant for the

people such as those with jobs who really need these kind of ICTs such as clinicians,

researchers, policy-makers and employers for the messaging and outreach activities with

people’s psychosocial, character, and health considerations with the use of ICT channels

during the empowerment of the ICT users to do their responsibility for their interfaces

with the technologies.

Radio as a learning medium platform amidst pandemic

It is emphasized in the study of Feruzi and Li (2020) that learning and teaching

with the use of radio and television in Tanzania is inclined with the UNESCO call to all

countries across the globe to simply make certain that regardless of the school closure or

face-to-face class due to Covid-19, learning still continues.

Dissatisfaction through the radio learning set-up

Based on the study of Hebebei, Bertiz and Alan (2020), it is shown that there are

students viewed that distance education are not clearly separated from each other.

Though, there are more students who are not comfortable with the new education set up
11
and students’ experience problems in preparation for distance education. Students who

are not contented with the distance education give details about their dissatisfaction

regarding the inadequate time and not understanding the lessons.

Radio as a vital medium for everyone

Rodero and Hernandez (2020) reiterated that the radio has ascertained to be a

medium that plays a vital role and provides initiatives to everyone during the pandemic.

Aside from its accessibility, radio became a trusted form of media that people rely with

and as being an efficient medium to stay up-to-date with the issues regarding the virus

across the globe. It is a significant platform to aid, help and bring solidarity to people

with the goal to help clear up the hesitations about the disease that different stations have

organized universally.

Conflicts through the online learning procedure

Zaharah, Indrayanto, Nourwahidah, et al. (2021) found that the respondents'

responses demonstrate that various problems are identified in the online learning

procedure, such as what is now being done in Indonesia during the COVID-19 outbreak

in terms of online and offline learning methods. COVID-19 would be tough to purchase

internet allotment for the parents of impacted pupils especially those students who have

parents that are economically impoverished elderly. The internet is slow, secondly which

means that many students also overcome poor networks and obstruct their aim of taking

12
part in online study. This can be done very much. In addition, instructors and principals

cannot monitor their home presence directly. The particular reason for this circumstance;

the face to face classes is prohibited caused by the virus. Naturally, due to the multiple

derivations of the formula there are lectures and subject that takes a long time to

comprehend by the students. That is why the online and offline learning method resulted

that the country is doing is not efficient for the students as to their parents because of the

barriers, conflicts and factors they are encountering with the new learning set-up

compared to school learning.

Insignificant effects of long work days

Ganster, Rosen, & Fisher (2018) analyzed that physical and mental health can

have effects on the balance of work-life during the outbreak of COVID-19 as a clear

transition from work/school to leisure time under residence orders may lack. Long work

days can be connected with higher anxiety, depression, and cardiovascular disease,

however minor to insignificant effects are suggested by the meta-analytic studies.

Media Communication Risk

Glik (2007) cleared that media communications can contribute critically to

individuals' reliance on risk assessment and information.

13
Media psychological outcomes during pandemic

Chao, Xue, Liu, et al. (2020) documented by early COVID-19 research on media

exposure. Nine-hundred-seventeen (917) residents from China evaluated during the first

stage of the COVID-19 outbreak have been assessed as having negative psychological

results in the use of the new media such as online news sites; images, video, news or text

updates on social media, whereas traditional media use like television, radio and

newspaper was not documented or said to be effective as an informative platform.

14
 CHAPTER III

METHODOLOGY

Theoretical Framework

This study anchored in the theory of James E. Grunig and Hunt which is the

Public Information Model which is concerned with maintaining communication between

the public and an organization. The process of communication between different groups

in society is facilitated by public relations and hence also the paradigm for public

information. In addition, public relations are concerned in different models with the

investigation of stakeholders' perceived values.

The models of public relations can communicate one way or have two-way

communications, which is information in two ways exchanged by the sending and

receiving of the messages and which is the feedback of the sender.

Conceptual Framework

Awareness

The part-take of radio

clinic during COVID-19
outbreak.
The nature and
concept of radio
clinic programs.

15
Operational Definition of Terms

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an infectious disease caused by a newly

discovered coronavirus. Most people infected with the COVID-19 virus will experience

mild to moderate respiratory illness and recover without requiring special treatment. 

Older people, and those with underlying medical problems like cardiovascular disease,

diabetes, chronic respiratory disease, and cancer are more likely to develop serious

illness.

Pandemic is a disease outbreak that spreads across countries or continents. It affects

more people and takes more lives than an epidemic.

Outbreak is when an illness happens in unexpected high numbers. It may stay in one

area or extend more widely. An outbreak can last days or years. Sometimes, experts consider

a single case of a contagious disease to be an outbreak. This may be true if it’s an unknown

disease, if it’s new to a community, or if it’s been absent from a population for a long time.

Grassroots is an ordinary people regarded as the main body of an organization's

membership.

Far-flung is used to refer to places that are a great distance away, or something

that is spread over a very large area.

Lockdown is a temporary condition imposed by governmental authorities (as

during the outbreak of an epidemic disease) in which people are required to stay in

their homes and refrain from or limit activities outside the home involving public

contact (such as dining out or attending large gatherings).

16
Research Design

This study will utilize a Qualitative research design using survey questionnaire

because this will fit the objectives of the study in which will analyze and identify

regarding the effectiveness of the PIO Hour: Oras ng Mamamayan to the people in San

Jose City, Nueva Ecija amidst COVID-19 outbreak.

Sampling Design

The respondents of this study are limited to ages 18 years old and above,

employed or unemployed and college student residing in San Jose City, Nueva Ecija, a

simple random sampling will be used to gather/collect the data from the respondents. In

the simple random sampling design, the researcher randomly selects a subset of

participants from a population. Each member of the population has an equal chance of

being selected. Data is then collected from as large a percentage as possible of

this random subset.

Data Collection Technique

This study will utilize a descriptive approach to qualitative data analysis which

means that the purpose of qualitative descriptive research is to sum up individual

occurrences or particular groups daily in a comprehensive manner. Google forms will be

the method that will be used in collecting the perspectives of the respondents because the

face to face interaction is limited in this time of pandemic.

17
Statistical Treatment of Qualitative

Descriptive analysis will be used in analyzing the data. The analysis will

involve percentage.

18
REFERENCES

Chao, M., Xue, D., Liu, T., Yang, H., & Hall, B. J. (2020). Media use and acute

psychological outcomes during COVID-19 outbreak in China. Journal of

Anxiety Disorders, 74, 102248.

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.janxdis.2020.102248

Feruzi, S., Li, Y. (2020). Application of EdTech in Tanzania: Effectiveness of Radio and

Television in Teaching and Learning amid COVID-19 Pandemic.

International Journal of Advanced Engineering Research and Science

(IJAERS), 7(8), 2349-6495. https://dx.doi.org/10.22161/ijaers.78.35

Ganster, D. C., Rosen, C. C., & Fisher, G. G. (2018). Long working hours and well-

being: What we know, what we do not know, and what we need to know.

Journal of Business and Psychology, 33(1), 25–39.

https://doi.org/10.1007/s10869-016-9478-1

Glik, D. C. (2007). Risk communication for public health emergencies. Annual Review of

Public Health, 28, 33–54.

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Hebebci, M. T., Bertiz, Y., & Alan, S. (2020). Investigation of views of students and

teachers on distance education practices during the Coronavirus (COVID-

19) Pandemic. International Journal of Technology in Education and

Science (IJTES), 4(4), 267-282.

https://ijtes.net/index.php/ijtes/article/view/113

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Khan, S., Safdar, G., & Ahmad, T. (2021). The Role of Radio Clinic during COVID-19

Pandemic: A Case Study of Swat. Research Journal of Social Sciences &

Economics Review, (2) 1, 189-194. https://doi.org/10.36902/rjsser-vol2-

iss1-2021(189-194

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(ICT) Usage during COVID-19: Motivating Factors and Implications.

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 18,

3571. https://doi.org/10.3390/ ijerph18073571

Miller, J. (2017). Listenership Survey and Reflective Review,

Let’s Think, Let’s Change: promoting diversity through popular culture.

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lective_Review-FINAL.pdf

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213.https://www.google.com/amp/s/phys.org/news/2020-12-coronavirus-

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medium.amphttps://www.google.com/amp/s/phys.org/news/2020-12-

coronavirus-pandemic-radio-proven-medium.amp

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preventive-action

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file:///C:/Users/Mac/Desktop/CHAPTER%202/09268914.pdf

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Preferred Thesis Advisers:
Sir Danilo Vargas
Sir Hail Parsons

22