DY&CA Director Ruotpong Pongliyab, expressed how the division is in need of additional funding for utilities. He stated that with the current monthly average they would definitely run out of funding under consumables. He also stated that with the new AM transmitter, they have almost doubled their monthly average.
The request from Gov. Sebastian Anefal is presently at $58,944. Pongliyab mentioned that their initial request to the governor was for $70,000 and the Executive Budget Review Committee made a cut of about $12,000. He stated that presently, the division owes the Yap State Public Service Corp. for previous months in utilities.
A questioned that was constantly brought up was the cost cutting measures the division is undertaking including other measures that the division is planning to implement. Pongliyab stated that cutting broadcast hours is something that may be implemented. The FM antenna has been down and broadcasting may likely be halted, as they cannot afford to. The director also mentioned that before the new AM transmitter, the utilities monthly cost was about $5,000 and since the inception of the new transmitter it has gone up to $8,000.
Another issue that was brought up was broadcasting regulations in how many hours the radio should be broadcasted. As stated by the director, there has been an effort in looking up such regulations and was not found. And that according to the senior staff they don’t recall any regulation.
The other building was also discussed, in which it was clarified that it is currently housing the transmitter. Due to possible overheating of the transmitter, a few air conditioners are in place to cool the system. The director confirms that all systems are turned off after broadcasting hours.
Another issue brought up was the use of one of media’s building as living quarters. The director stated that maybe it had been going on in the past and he assures the committee that he will ensure discontinuity of the practice if it is still ongoing.
The director also mentioned about a solar energy plan in process by the state, which the division is not a part of, however the director wishes that it be, in the effort of cutting its utilities expenses.
