CARTOON BY: AARON PAUL C. CARIL
EDITORIAL
Vibe for the people: The voice Bohol deserves
On October 25, 2025, the airwaves of Bohol welcomed a new voice—one rooted in legacy, law, arts, and local pride. Vibe 105.5 FM, officially launched by Veritas Media Arts Inc., isn’t just another station on the dial. It’s a community commitment. A signal of hope. A platform built to serve, inform, and uplift.
Founded by the family of the late Dr. Victoriano B. Tirol Jr. and Dr. Cristeta B. Tirol, who also founded Cristal e-College and served as top executives of the University of Bohol, Veritas Media Arts Inc. carries forward a tradition of principled leadership and public service. Their legacy—steeped in education, ethics, and civic engagement—now finds new resonance in the rhythms and reflections broadcast from Tagbilaran to the wider Visayas, and to the world.
But this launch is more than symbolic. It’s grounded in law. Under Republic Act No. 10899, Veritas was granted a 25-year franchise to operate radio and television stations “for commercial purposes and in the public interest.” The law demands more than mere technical compliance—it calls for sound, balanced programming, public service airtime, and a firm stand against obscenity, misinformation, and political manipulation. In short, it mandates media with a conscience.
And that’s precisely what Vibe 105.5 FM aspires to be. From its first broadcast, the station signaled a different kind of presence—one that listens before it speaks. One that amplifies the voices of workers, educators, artists, youth, entrepreneurs, and all those who make Bohol thrive—often without recognition. One that doesn’t just entertain, but educates. That doesn’t just fill airtime, but fosters dialogue.
Crucially, Vibe 105.5 FM is also a stage for Boholano creativity. In a media landscape often dominated by imported content and Manila-centric narratives, the station has deliberately chosen to spotlight local artists—musicians, poets, storytellers, and cultural workers—who capture the province’s soul. By giving airtime to homegrown talent, Vibe affirms that Bohol’s stories are not only worth telling—they are worth hearing, again and again.
The launch event itself was a tapestry of local pride: artists, educators, faith leaders, and civic advocates gathered not just to celebrate, but to commit. Speeches spoke of “values-based broadcasting,” of “reclaiming the narrative,” and of “giving voice to the voiceless.” These aren’t just slogans—they’re aspirations rooted in the very franchise that made the station possible.
Still, aspiration must meet action. The challenge ahead is clear: to institutionalize editorial independence, resist patronage pressures, and build a newsroom culture that prizes verification over virality. That means investing in local journalism, mentoring young reporters, and creating programming that reflects—not distorts—the lived realities of Boholanos.
And yet, there is reason for optimism. Early segments have already showcased a blend of cultural storytelling, youth-led dialogue, and values-infused reflection. The station is carving out a space where Boholanos can hear themselves—not as caricatures, but as citizens. It’s a space where truth is not just spoken, but stewarded.
In a time when national media often feels distant and digital platforms flood us with noise, Vibe 105.5 FM offers something rare: a frequency tuned to community. A station that honors its legal mandate, its founding legacy, and its moral responsibility.
This is the voice Bohol deserves. May it stay loud, clear, and brave.