He used to say that media is only motivated by profit, propaganda, power and privilege . His PPPP approach became a solid platform in the struggle for a democratic media. The first station opened in Batanes, a place so remote and isolated that it didn t even get any signals from national radio and TV networks. By the end of 1994, five stations were operational and eight by 1996. The project gradually expanded until 1999, adding up to 20 stations.
CATs are a good example of community participation in a low-cost communication activity.
Tambuli added onto some of the existing CATs, providing the transmitter and additional training. Louie Tabing had the vision of taking advantage of the experience already acquired by the community in managing a communication project. Because he fears that if he makes the decision without public support he can be later criticised as someone who is destroying the environment. In Maragusan the station has put pressure on local authorities to ban chainsaws and pesticides. The place has a great potential for eco-tourism with its numerous rivers and attractive falls, but has been menaced in the past by gold diggers, and recently by illegal logging and spraying of pesticides.