Maintaining high frequency on Saipan

In times of crises or disasters in the CNMI, one of the local organizations that is at the forefront of assistance efforts is the MDX Amateur Radio Club, which has been serving the CNMI community for the last 12 years now.

Vice president Ramon S. Awit said the group was a spin off of the former MDX Radio Group on Saipan that was formed in 1994 with CB radio operators at that time.

In 1999, with the intention to unite all members of the MDX Radio Group, the MDX Amateur Radio Club was established. Awit said the group was formalized on May 5, 2000.

Awit said the goal and objective of the group is to popularize ham radio operation by developing the knowledge and skills of its members. He said the group’s original members were radio users in the CNMI who were licensed by the Federal Communication Commission.

MDX Amateur Radio Club is a non-profit organization that also aims to give assistance to the community in times of need using radio communications.

Awit said that community service is at the forefront of the mission of the group, especially in times of natural calamity or a disaster. He said the club would always collaborate with other organizations such as the American Red Cross to coordinate assistance through manpower and communication.

Awit said the group has been participating in several community activities such the yearly tree planting, the Trash-A-Thon, American Red Cross-NMI Chapter activities and projects, Marianas Visitors Authority projects such as the Tagaman and Xterra, and the celebration of the Holy Week in the CNMI where the group gives out free drinks to pilgrims going up Mt. Tapochao.

The group, composed of locals, Filipinos and Americans, recently finished a project in collaboration with the Emon Lodge No. 179 group. Both groups spearheaded the repainting and renovation of the Gilbert Ada Gym parking lot in Oleai. MDX also participates in an annual basketball league in the Commonwealth.

Due to its commitment to the community the American Red Cross-NMI Chapter has recognized the group’s effort in helping the community. MDX currently has a partnership with Hawaii-based Hawaii Radio Service group.

Current officers are: president Wilfredo Ching, vice president Awit, secretary Jun Sison, treasurer Vic Brana, auditor Jay Diyco, public relations Arnel Diesta and Leo Canedo, and repeater WH0ABP trustee Raul Abordonado.

Board of directors is composed of chair Caesar Villaluz and board members Bong Malasarte, Wilfredo Ching, Raul Abordonado, Romy Sison, Ramon Awit, Ed Reyes, Melencio Guevarra, and Vic Brana.

Individuals that are interested in joining the group can contact Awit at 287-9417 or contact Bong Malasarte at 287-4395.

The group has also been assisting community members in obtaining their FCC license here in the CNMI. Interested parties may contact Awit and Malasarte for further details.