USM President Joins DXVL 94.9 Kool FM in Celebrating 20 Years on Air

University of Southern Mindanao (USM) President Jonald L. Pimentel, together with university officials and partners, joined the celebration of the 20th anniversary of DXVL 94.9 Kool FM on July 24, 2026, at the University Commercial Building in Kabacan, Cotabato.

During the program, President Pimentel shared his appreciation for DXVL and recalled the station’s long history in the university. He also acknowledged its role as the campus radio station where Development Communication students gain hands-on experience while serving as a source of information for the community.

Prof. Brex Brayan Nicolas, DXVL Station Manager, expressed his gratitude to the station’s partners for their continued support of DXVL’s public service programs and community initiatives over the past two decades.

One of the highlights of the celebration was the presentation of the Blue Siren Awards, recognizing individuals, organizations, and institutions for their contributions to community broadcasting, journalism, public communication, leadership, and public service.

Among the awardees were Anita B. Tacardon, a USM retiree, who received the Siren of Community Broadcasting Legacy Award for helping build the station’s foundation in public service broadcasting, and Allan C. Facurib, recipient of the Siren of Leadership Award for mentoring aspiring broadcasters and supporting the station’s growth.

The Siren of Broadcast Excellence Award was presented to Allan G. Dalo for his contributions to radio broadcasting. Moreover, the news reporters and staff of the station were awarded for their commitment to ethical and accurate journalism and to receognize their excellence in news gathering and responsible reporting.

Government communication programs were likewise recognized during the ceremony. Unlad Kabacan, Serbisyong Ramdam received the Siren of Public Communication Award, while PIA Talakayang Dose was honored with the Siren of Public Information Award.

For public service, Kabacan Mayor Evangeline P. Guzman received the Siren of Public Service Award, while Vice Mayor Herlo P. Guzman Jr. was given the Excellence in Public Communication Award for promoting transparent governance and effective public communication.

Several partner agencies and organizations were also recognized for their continued collaboration with the station. Kabalikat Radiocom–Kabacan received the Siren of Community Service Award, while the Philippine Carabao Center–USM, SOXAARRDEC, USM Extension Services Office, and the DA–Agricultural Training Institute XII were presented the Siren of Community Development Award.

Meanwhile, the Kabacan Municipal Police Station, Kabacan Fire Station, and the 10th Field Artillery Battalion, Philippine Army received the Siren of Partnership Award for their continued support of community broadcasting and public service initiatives.

For two decades, DXVL Kool 94.9 FM has served as a training ground for future broadcasters and communicators while providing timely information and public service to listeners. The anniversary celebration recognized the people and institutions that have helped the station grow and continue its service to both the university and the wider community.

Text and Photos: Kim Artigas, Al Farabie Lumambas, Eldrich Jan Valdez | USM DevCom Interns