TOMORROW, July 26 will see the latest public service program hit the airwaves on RMN-DZXL 558. Dubbed “Basta Promdi, Lodi,” the hour-long show, based on the production notes, will aim to address “pressing concerns in the country’s many different provinces and advocate for rural development.” Its host and initiator is neophyte Congressman Alfred de los Santos of party list topnotcher Ang Probinsyano, who, together with veteran journalist Ces Drilon, will take on the very timeslot that turned former DZXL anchor Raffy Tulfo into the public’s “No. 1 Sumbungan” via “Wanted sa Radyo” to this very day.

With Tulfo still at it on multimedia, ditto Mike Enriquez with

“Imbestigador,” Julius Babao and

Bernadette Sembrano with “Lingkod Kampamilya” and so on and so forth, why would it be worth anyone’s time to tune in to yet another public service program with a first-time broadcaster and self-proclaimed probinsyano in the lead, even if his catchphrase determinedly goes, “Onair aksyon at solusyon.”

Actually, it’s this pair of Cong. Alfred’s supposed limitations as “firsttime broadcaster and self-proclaimed probinsyano” that turns out to be the pull. Not to mention the 29-year-old millennial’s deferential quality, warm and approachable persona, and just a simple and sincere disposition to help

“promdis” like him. A far — and possibly refreshing — cry from public service personalities who have had to assume the image of a super confident, unforgiving, tough as nails action man.

As Cong. Alfred (or “Apid,” as unique nicknames apparently go in his home of Albay in the Bicol

Region) says of his fellow provincial folk, they’re just naturally laid back, but nonetheless more open to those around them compared to city folk. As such, the predilection to bayanihan — what another writer by the name of Jef Menguin wonderfully defined as “Filipino culture that turns common people into heroes” — seems to come more easily to a rural-born and bred individual, unlike urbanites who often need to think twice if they’re being duped before responding to an SOS.

“I’m a born and raised probinsyano from Albay,” the Party List Representative proudly confirmed in a Zoom interview. His box, side by side with that of his glamorous but hard core journalist co-anchor Ces Drilon’s, it was obvious Cong. Apid’s small-town honesty charmed the popular news personality too.

“I studied college sa probinsya.I just went to Metro Manila for a year [after that] and nakita ko talaga yung difference ng culture ng probinsyano at laking Metro Manila,” he shared.

“Without meaning to compare po,” Cong. Apid broke into a slightly sheepish but very apologetic smile, “parang mas simple lang, mas laid back nga po [that’s why we’re] able to give more time, focus and attention to help others.

“I think these are the traits I learned [living in the province] and [continue] to use in my work and in public service.”

Promdi time!

Given the probinsyano’s sense of community, it should be clear that Basta Promdi, Lodi won’t be the kind of public service program that will cater to personal grievances. Fans of strangers airing dirty laundry shouldn’t think this show is not them all the same because it still has the potential to keep them entertained.

Putting the “sumbong” factor aside for a moment, the “Promdi Lodi” segment — which will give due recognition to everyday provincianos with extraordinary deeds for family and community — may just tug at their heartstrings in a more constructive and inspiring way.

“Promdi Patrol,” on the other hand, is ready to bring to nationwide radio provincial updates which, up until “Basta Promdi, Lodi’s” premiere, would only be available from regional stations and networks if at all.

“I really think it’s time that we put the spotlight on our kababayan in the provinces and give them the air time that they deserve,” Drilon — who immediately saw the show’s relevance, given how the pandemic ignited a back-to-basics desire and simpler lifestyle among many people — eagerly chimed in.

“On a personal note, besides [the show] coming at the perfect time kasi na-retrench ako sa ABS-CBN,” she laughed, good-naturedly poking fun at herself, “I’m also at a point in my life where I’m really enjoying going to the province and farming.”

Admittedly a city girl — with proud roots in Batangas from her father side and time spent studying in Baguio to make for her probinsyano qualifications — Drilon unleashed the plantita in her and leveled it up by growing malunggay by the bulk in Tanawan, Batangas. In turn, these healthy and versatile greens opened up another opportunity for the more laid back and nature-loving Ces Drilon, via her handmade soaps and other organic products under the Vagabond Farms label.

Now, just as Drilon is closing in to become a full-fledged probinsyano like Cong Apid, the original promdi is equally excited to learn on the job from the veteran broadcaster, in this, her official return to mainstream media.

“Thank you so much kay Ma’am Ces for giving us the chance [to work with her],” Cong Apid expressed. “[Our party list] has always wanted to have a public service program and reach out to more provinces, and as a newbie in Congress and as well as the media, it is my honor be with someone with so much integrity, credibility and experience who can teach us and guide us. [More than that] we can really feel the love she has for the probinsyano [way of life], that’s why she is really perfect for this show.”

Different ‘sumbong’

Finally, on the matter of airing complaints on the show, the Probinsyano’s inherent sense of community should be an obvious sign that the show calls for a different kind of “sumbong” from the usual public service programs.

Basta Promdi, Lodi is essentially an extension of Cong. Apid’s sworn duty and deep-seated advocacy to better the lives of rural Filipinos and contribute to the long overdue development of the country side.

In Congress, he serves as Vice Chairperson of the Committees on Rural Development, Public Works and Highways and Bicol Recovery and Economic Development. But beyond his legislative work, he is also committed to his organization’s development programs and personally reaches out to fellow Filipinos in the most far-flung areas, especially those gravely affected by the pandemic and other calamities. And now he has this radio program.

So “Promdi Aksyon” is the segment reserved for the kind of “sumbungan” Cong. Apid, side by side with Drilon, are ready and eager to address with the promise to connect probinsyanos in need of support with specific government agencies and NGOs that can help them fulfill their true potential.

“Through Basta Promdi, Lodi, we hope to become the voice of Filipinos across the provinces as well as the bridge to bring development efforts countrywide as we go along,” Cong. Apid ended.

Basta Promdi, Lodi airs weekdays beginning tomorrow from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. on RMN-DZXL 558, with live streaming on RMN’s official Facebook page.