Radyo Pilipinas World Service (RPWS) is back on shortwave radio—stronger, louder, and more determined than ever to reach Filipinos across the globe. After eight months of silence on the shortwave bands, RPWS will officially resume broadcasting on December 1, 2025, marking one of the most significant comebacks in Philippine international broadcasting.

For millions of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs), seafarers, and Filipinos in remote regions, RPWS is more than just a station—it is a voice of home.

Radyo Pilipinas World Service A Sudden Silence: What Happened in March 2025

On March 19, 2025, RPWS suddenly went off shortwave due to a global broadcasting shutdown.

In March 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump ordered the cessation of all United States Agency for Global Media (USAGM) broadcasts. Since USAGM Philippines, home of Voice of America (VOA) transmitters, also carries RPWS’s shortwave signal, the station was forced to cease shortwave operations.

But despite losing its global broadcast capability, RPWS did not stop serving Filipinos.

Keeping the Mission Alive Online

Under the steadfast leadership of Station Manager Remigio Sampang, Radyo Pilipinas World Service continued its mission through online streaming, ensuring that Filipinos abroad still received timely news, public service information, and cultural programming.

For eight months, RPWS kept the flame alive—while waiting for a chance to return to the airwaves.

Shortwave renaissance: The December 2025 Comeback

In November 2025, USAGM Philippines confirmed that RPWS could resume use of the VOA transmitter facility.

With this, RPWS officially returns to shortwave on December 1, 2025.

The revival of its shortwave capacity, combined with thriving online radio, proves that RPWS has prevailed against adversity. Its return is a victory not only for the station but for every Filipino who relies on radio as a lifeline across oceans.

Short History of Radyo Pilipinas World Service

Radyo Pilipinas World Service is the international broadcasting arm of the Philippine Broadcasting Service (PBS) – Bureau of Broadcast Services (PBS-BBS) under the Presidential Communications Office (PCO). Formerly known as Radyo Pagasa, Voice of the Philippines, and Radyo Pilipinas Worldwide.

For decades, RPWS has carried the voice of the Philippines around the world through:

• shortwave radio, which travels across continents
• online streaming, bridging the digital and analog worlds
• news, public service, culture, and Filipino storytelling

Its mission: to connect the Philippines to Filipinos worldwide, and to share Philippine culture with the world.

Notable Points in Its Evolution

• 1940s–1950s: Early forms of Philippine international broadcasting take shape.
• 1960s–70s: Government organizes overseas services under various names.
• 1986–2000s: Modernization after the EDSA era strengthens RPWS programming.
• 2010s–2020s: RPWS expands internationally through internet streaming.
• March 2025: Shortwave transmission stops due to USAGM global shutdown.
• December 2025: RPWS returns triumphantly to shortwave.

Through its programs—news, culture, public service, Filipino language segments, and music—RPWS remains the trusted voice of the Philippines worldwide.

Radyo Pilipinas World Service – Timeline

📌 1947–1948: Early Roots of Philippine International Broadcasting

The Philippine government begins developing radio services aimed at audiences outside the country, laying the foundation for future international broadcasts.

📌 1950s–1960s: Rise of Government Overseas Radio

The Philippines strengthens its broadcasting infrastructure and explores shortwave as a way to reach Filipinos abroad and neighboring countries.

📌 1960s–1970s: International Service Formalized

Government-run international broadcasting is refined under the Bureau of Broadcasts, with early forms of what would become Radyo Pilipinas World Service (then under names like “Voice of the Philippines”).

📌 1986–1990s: Modernization After the EDSA Era

The Presidential Broadcasting Service (PBS) reorganizes and updates its international division. Programs for OFWs begin expanding.

📌 Early 2000s: Radyo Pilipinas Worldwide Branding

The service strengthens its identity as the official international voice of the Philippines, carrying cultural, news, and public service programs.

📌 2017–2020: Digital Transformation Begins

RPWS increases online presence through livestreams and internet radio, complementing its shortwave broadcasts.

📌 March 19, 2025: Shortwave Broadcast Suddenly Halts

Due to U.S. President Donald Trump’s order to shut down all USAGM (United States Agency for Global Media) broadcasts, VOA Philippines—which carries RPWS’s signal—goes offline.
➡ RPWS loses shortwave transmission but continues online broadcasting.

📌 March–November 2025: RPWS Continues Online-Only

Despite challenges, the station—led by Station Manager Remigio Sampang—maintains service to OFWs and seafarers.

📌 November 2025: Confirmation from USAGM Philippines

Announcement is made that RPWS can resume shortwave transmission.

📌 December 1, 2025: RPWS Returns to Shortwave Radio

After eight months of silence, Radyo Pilipinas World Service triumphantly returns to the shortwave airwaves, proving that radio is not dying—it is evolving.

Radio Is Not Dying—It Is Evolving

In an era dominated by smartphones and high-speed internet, many predicted the decline of radio, especially shortwave. However, as the digital age reshapes media, RPWS proves that radio remains timeless. Shortwave still connects with ships at sea, remote villages, and areas lacking stable internet access. It continues to be a reliable source of information during emergencies.

RPWS demonstrates that radio does not fade away; instead, it transforms, adapts, and reaches people no matter where they are.

A Rebirth Worth Celebrating

The December 1 comeback of Radyo Pilipinas World Service is more than a technical restoration—it is a symbol of:

• Filipino perseverance
• innovation in the face of adversity
• unbroken commitment to overseas Filipinos
• the power of radio to connect hearts across distances

From an eight-month silence to a triumphant return, RPWS reminds us that true service never fades—it adapts, transforms, and rises again.

As Radyo Pilipinas World Service returns to the airwaves, it carries a renewed message to every Filipino listening from afar:

“Wherever you are in the world, you are never alone.
Your home is always within reach—on the radio.”