DAVAO CITY (PIA) — Elvie Sabalande of Barangay Matina Crossing expressed enthusiasm for the creation of a Barangay Information Officers Network (BION) in Davao City, stating, “lipay kaayo mi nga naa ang Philippine Information Agency, naa ning Barangay Information Officers Network, matabangan mi among advocacy sa among barangay” (We are very happy that there is the Philippine Information Agency, there is the Barangay Information Officers Network, this will help in the advocacy in our barangay).
Sabalande, who manages her barangay’s social media account as a volunteer, views her role as crucial for community communication. She posts updates, answers queries, and covers barangay events, using her personal camera, gimbal, and drone.
She hopes the BION will provide training and support for barangay communication workers, whose roles are vital for their constituents.
Sabalande was among representatives from 16 first district barangays who attended a March 26 meeting at the Sangguniang Panglungsod Building.
The Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Davao Region and the Office of City Councilor Temujin Ocampo organized the meeting, a step toward creating a BION in Davao City’s 182 barangays.
PIA Davao Regional Head Rene Carbayas, Patricia Ocampo representing Councilor Ocampo, Jade Baylon of the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Davao City, and Jecia Opiana of the City Information Office attended the meeting.
Carbayas emphasized the need for a local government unit (LGU)-led and managed BION, working through the LGU information office. He highlighted the partnership with Councilor Ocampo, chair of the City Council committee on publication, who plans to institutionalize the BION through an ordinance.
“They serve as frontline truth-tellers, ensuring accurate dissemination of government programs and local updates, especially on the areas of peace and security, environment, disaster resiliency, and governance, among others,” Carbayas said of the BIOs’ role.
Baylon reported that DILG Davao City issued Memorandum 2024-093 on Oct. 4, 2024, urging barangays to designate a Barangay Public Information Officer. However, only three barangays have complied. (PIA/RGA)
