ILOILO CITY (PIA) — Amid the proliferation of disinformation in social media, barangay officials in this city cited the need for them to step in and serve as conduits in the delivery of accurate and reliable information at the community level by way of pooling barangay information officers (BIO) under one roof for what has been referred to as “Hinun-anon.”
Initiated by the Iloilo-based Philippine Information Agency (PIA), “Hinun-anon” underscores the importance of equipping BIOs with the fundamental knowledge and skill to handle “fake news.”
Held at the Iloilo Science and Technology University (ISAT-U) on July 30, barangay officials took their oath as designated information officers during the program jointly organized by the PIA – Iloilo Information Center, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and the City Government Public Information Office.
At the sidelines of “Hinun-anon,” BOIs committed to amplifying government services, programs, and projects at the grassroots levels, and establishing a rapport that would effectively transform the barangay units as credible sources of truthful information for “public consumption.”
Relatedly, PIA-Iloilo information officer II Liez’l Marie Ejeda expounded on the roles and significance of BIOs. She likewise briefed barangay officials about the provisions of the DILG Memorandum Circular No. 2017-165 which mandates barangays to designate their information officers.
During her presentation, Ejeda placed a premium on pooling a network of community-based information officers to amplify government projects, programs and services in a wide linkage of media platforms.
Meanwhile, Dr. Carmelo V. Ambut, ISAT-U Vice President for Research and Extension and OIC – Office of the President cited the importance of collaboration among stakeholders and the impact of science and technology in the community.
Following the BIO orientation, PIA-Iloilo also conducted the “Hinun-anon” to over 100 participants who were briefed by the National Intelligence Coordinating Agency (NICA)-6 on how to distinguish legitimate information from the so-called “fake news.”
NICA-6 Investigation Branch chief Jay Andrade discussed the importance of security awareness to ensure public safety and welfare. (AAL/JNH/PIA Iloilo)
