Philippines Launches Mobile App to Reach out to Diaspora

The Philippines is taking a giant leap in its efforts to reach out to the Filipino diaspora with the launching of the mobile app version of Radyo Tambuli—the virtual radio platform of the Philippine Embassy in Washington, D.C. on November 14, Philippine time.

“One of our overriding goals is to serve the Filipino diaspora to the best of our ability,” said Philippine Ambassador to the United States Jose L. Cuisia, Jr. “The app increases our presence in the lives of overseas Filipinos and helps further our digital public diplomacy goals.”

Developed with AudioNow® Digital, a leading provider of in-language mobile apps for radio broadcasters, the Radyo Tambuli mobile app is now available through Android and iPhone mobile applications. The app can be downloaded by anyone with a smart phone not only in the US but in any part of the world, including the Philippines.

“Through this app, we are hoping to connect our kababayans abroad with home,” said Ambassador Cuisia, referring to the more than 11 million Filipinos all over the world, particularly the 3.5 million who are in the United States.

Initially launched in April using AudioNow’s proprietary call-to-listen platform, Radyo Tambuli makes its digital debut through the app and will continue to offer daily news headlines, original Filipino music, coverage of town-hall style meetings, interviews, opinion surveys and children’s stories to engage the Philippine diaspora.

The app also provides two-way communication between the Embassy and members of the Filipino community wherever they may be through direct messaging; sharing through social media; and push notifications.

The app also features live and recorded content from premier Filipino broadcasters, such as Veritas, People’s Television Network and the Catholic Media Network as well as other radio and television stations in the provinces that broadcast in other Filipino languages.

Listeners can access these stations through not only their mobile data plans or wifi connection, but also through the in-app one-touch call-to-listen feature, which uses voice minutes and incur no extra calling charges from the US.

“The Embassy of the Philippines is known as one of the most active embassies in Washington and has been a pioneer in mobile outreach—first through the call-to-listen platform, and now through the Radyo Tambuli app,” said Elan Blutinger, AudioNow Digital Chief Executive Officer and Chairman.

“It is an honor to help the Embassy with our technology,” Blutinger added.

Minister and Consul Elmer G. Cato, head of the Embassy’s Public Diplomacy Section who conceived Radyo Tambuli, said the app will also eventually include additional programming that will be developed with the Department of Foreign Affairs in Manila and with other Philippine foreign service posts in the US and in other parts of the world.

Minister Cato said that in the coming weeks, Radyo Tambuli will also carry history lessons and even discussions on consular issues. “Radyo Tambuli listeners will also be able to hear broadcasts from more radio stations in other parts of the Philippines,” he said.

As a launching promotion, All Nippon Airlines (ANA) is offering those who download and register on the app a chance to win a roundtrip ticket to Manila from any point the airline serves in the US.

Source: www.dfa.gov.ph