The Struggle to Not Get a Philippine Ham Radio Call Sign

As an avid amateur radio operator and a first-time visitor to the Philippines, I was excited to explore the airwaves in a new country. To avoid the hassle of repeatedly applying for guest licenses on future trips, I decided to take the leap and apply for a local Philippine call sign during my 58-day stay.

The Plan: Seminar and Exam

To obtain a call sign in the Philippines, you must attend a seminar and pass an exam administered by the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC). Eager to get started, I joined the seminar, completed all the requirements, and gathered the necessary documents. Exams, as I was told, were held every Wednesday, so I was optimistic about making progress.

My Journey to Getting a Philippine Ham Radio Call Sign

Recently, I embarked on the process of obtaining a Philippine amateur radio call sign, and I’d like to share my experience to help others who might be interested.

The process begins with a mandatory seminar, which can now conveniently be taken online as a webinar. I was fortunate to meet a very helpful ham radio operator from the Philippines, 4F1KIK, who is authorized by the Philippine Amateur Radio Association (PARA). He not only facilitated the seminar but also provided invaluable guidance on how to handle the paperwork.

Getting a Philippine Amateur Radio Call Sign: My Journey

If you’re interested in becoming an amateur radio operator in the Philippines, you’re probably wondering what the steps and requirements are to obtain a call sign. As someone planning to visit the Philippines again soon, I want to share the process of getting an Amateur Radio Station License (ARSL) or a Radio Amateur Operator Certificate (RAOC) from the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC), the agency responsible for regulating radio communications in the country.