CBCPWorld provides internet connectivity to national congress of clergy

MANILA, Jan. 26, 2010─The Catholic faithful can now follow closely the ongoing proceedings of the five-day retreat congress of the clergy.

CBCPWorld, the internet provider of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines has provided internet connectivity to Catholic media that are covering the ongoing 2nd National Congress of the Clergy at the World Trade Center.

Talks by main speaker, Fr. Raniero Cantalamessa, OFMCap, and prayers during the congress are broadcast live by Catholic Media Network (CMN) and Radio Veritas. Webcast and podcast were done by Communications Foundations for Asia (CFA) and CBCPNews respectively.

NCC2 Congress Media coordinator Msgr. Pedro Quitorio said the original plan of organizers was to keep the retreat proceedings to retreat participants alone.

However, he said it would be to the participants’ advantage if the laity would be able to follow the proceedings and understand what is going on at the congress so that they can pray for the success of the Second National Congress of the Clergy.

CBCPWorld provided CMN, CFA and CBCP Media with internet connectivity through the installation of a KU Band VSat system at the venue. Wi-fi services have also been provided to media reporters covering the event and to participants as well.

The Catholic Media Network was able to transmit its audio from the World Trade Center to 32 stations from Abra, Ilocos Norte and Ilocos Sur, La Union, Baguio, Alaminos, Pangasinan, Bayombong, Nueva Viscaya, Baler, Aurora, Tarlac City, Baler in Aurora Province, Infanta and Lucena in Quezon City, Batangas City, Occidental Mindoro, Oriental Mindoro, Sorsogon, Legazpi City, Maasin, Southern Leyte, San Jose, Antique, Bacolod, Tagbilaran, Surigao City, Zamboanga, Sulu, Tawi-Tawi, Mati, Davao Oriental.

Clergy participants who are station managers of diocesan radio stations anchor a program every 6 p.m. at the World Trade Center, reporting on the proceedings of the congress.

CMN also gives a daily news update on the congress every morning at 6 a.m.

Meanwhile, Radio Veritas airs interviews of congress participants during its daily morning program.
Catholic faithful can also hear and download podcasts of interviews of bishops and priests and other congress officials by accessing cbcpnews.com/podcast.

(Melo M. Acuna)