History

The Chocolate Hills Amateur Radio League, Inc. (CHARL) was founded on January 31, 1986, by a group of 33 amateur radio operators in Bohol. Barely a month later, on March 8, 1986, the organization became an affiliate member club of the Cebu Amateur Radio League, Inc., now known as the Cebuano Amateur Radio League, Inc. (CARL). This affiliation granted CHARL immediate recognition by the Philippine Amateur Radio Association (PARA)—the umbrella organization of all amateur radio clubs in the Philippines—as well as by the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC). Notably, CHARL was the first affiliate member club of CARL.

The club’s first president was Dr. Margarito G. Lim (DU7RI, later 4F7RI). Its initial office was located at 166 CPG North Avenue, Cogon, Tagbilaran City. In 1992, the office was transferred to No. 1 H. Grupo Street, before returning to its original location in 1994.

In early 1987, CHARL adopted its Articles of Incorporation and By-Laws. That same year, the club successfully installed its own repeater system in Jandig, Maribojoc, operating on 145.000 MHz (+600 kHz offset) in the 2-meter band. The acquisition of a 40-meter HF transceiver soon followed, enabling communication with other PARA-member clubs nationwide and with amateur radio operators around the world. The general calling frequency of PARA in the 40-meter band is 7.045 MHz.

On May 22, 1987, CHARL was officially registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) as a non-stock, non-profit organization, and was subsequently accredited by the National Telecommunications Commission on October 21, 1987. CHARL holds the distinction of being Bohol’s first and only member club of the Philippine Amateur Radio Association, having been issued Certificate of Affiliation No. 0008-87 on July 18, 1987.

In late 1998, through the dedicated efforts of Gerry Marmito (DU7BBY, now DU7AU), significant upgrades were made to the club’s repeater system. The receiver unit was relocated to Dauis, while the transmitter unit in Jandig, Maribojoc was strengthened. A new transmitter system was also installed in Mayana, Jagna via a repeater link. With the addition of a receiver unit in Mayana at the turn of the new millennium, the repeater link system was fully completed—allowing amateur radio operators across the entire province to communicate via portable radios.

CHARL is dedicated to the advancement of amateur radio service through the development of skills in the science and technology of radio communications, fostered through experimentation, expeditions, and related activities. In line with its civic mission, CHARL members also render free public service, including civic assistance, emergency response, and rescue operations, using radio communications.

From its humble beginnings of 33 charter members in 1986, the club has steadily grown to over 200 members from various municipalities throughout the province of Bohol.

Milestones

The Original 33 Charter Members:

The Club’s past and present Club Trustees:

+Olivo M. Cinco (DU7OMC)

The Club’s first Trustee

+Emilio “Mel” B. Borja (DU7EBB)

Born: May 28, 1931
Died: August 19, 2014 (Age: 83)

Gerald R. Marmito (DU7AU)

Club Trustee: 2018 to the present

Past Presidents: