WATCH NORTH COTABATO began as initiatives in 2003 by citizen and media groups through Charm Radio and the Diocese of Kidapawan to advocate for transparent, clean, and honest governance in North Cotabato. In 2004, the group Kutabatenyo alang sa Maayong Panggobyerno (ALAMPAG) was formed through Charm Radio to criticize abuses by the governor. In 2005, four ALAMPAG leaders were jailed for their criticisms, raising funds for their bail. In 2010, key members formed Watch Kidapawan, partnering with Charm Radio, before expanding throughout North Cotabato as WATCH North Cotabato. The group includes various media

1. } When People Own the News,
WATCH NORTH COTABATO’s
Citizen & Media Engagement

2. WATCHFUL ADVOCATES FOR TRANSPARENT CLEAN AND HONEST GOVERNANCE IN NORTH COTABATO
(WATCH NORTH COTABATO)
Is the evolution of many initiatives done since 2003 by the citizen and media groups through Charm Radio and
Diocese of Kidapawan.
2003 - Bishop Romulo Valles now CBCP President helped and supported DXCA Charm Radio as an alternative
radio station after he himself was not happy how their own Catholic station tackled human rights issues. He
boycotted their own radio station and transferred his own program to the newly built and financially and
technically challenge radio station. Photo of Bishop Valles
2004- Through DXCA Charm radio the group Kutabatenyo alang sa Maayong Panggobyerno (ALAMPAG) was
formed. Photo of Kalamapag
2005- Four leaders of Kalampag were jailed after criticizing the abuses and anomalous transactions of then
North Cotabato Governor and now Agriculture secretary Manny Pinol.
-Kalampag did a fund raising drive outside the PNP Lock Up Cell to come up with the 100K used as bailbond for
the jailed leaders.
The harassments against Kalampag members had a chilling effect on the entire organization. Some members
deatched themselves and became inactive until 2009.
2010- The same key personalities who founded Kalampag met and formed Watch Kidapawan, a city based anti
corruption group.
The group partnered with Charm Radio. The group got a financial and technical support ftom IWPR through its
PPTRP and CANA program.
Less than a year from its inception the group expanded its membership throughout the province. The group's
name Watch Kidapawan was changed to WATCH North Cotabato.

28. } Titus Brandsma
Award
} International
Visitors Leadership
Program (IVLP)

29. WATCH NORTH COTABATO MEMBERS
1. CHARM RADIO
2. DXND RADYO BIDA
3. RADYO UKAY
4. JOY FM
5. SOUTHERN VOICE JOURNAL
6. MINDANAO EXPRESS
7. KARAPATAN
8. GABRIELA
9. KILUSANG MAGBUBUKID NG PILIPINAS
10. ICON-SP
11. NETWROK OF WOMEN - NORTH COTABATO
12. SAVE CFCST MOVEMENT
13. GAGMAYNG KRISTOHANONG KATILINGBAN
14. PEOPLE'S PEACE NETWORK
13. SOUTHERN PHILIPPINES METHODIST COLLEGES
14. MORO PEACE CORE
15. APO SANDAWA LUMADNONG PANAGHIUSA

31. Prepared by:
Abner Francisco