MANILA, (PIA) — Information officers and communicators from national government agencies and local government units gathered at the Manila Electric Company (Meralco) on Friday, March 21, for discussions on energy management, healthcare programs and voter education.
The Association of Information Officers in Metro Manila (AIMM) held its First Quarter Full Members’ meeting hosted by Meralco at their Ortigas compound.
“We (Meralco) are really reaching out to various information officers in order to provide accurate and relevant information to our communities,” said Joe Zaldarriaga, Meralco Vice-President and Head of Corporate Communications. “This partnership is very beneficial to us, and the public, and the customers we serve.”
During the meeting, Rita Capalad, Consumer Care Officer of Meralco, explained how to understand bill charges and shared practical tips on managing electricity consumption.
On the other hand, John Pocholo Pabillona of Meralco Power Lab offered energy management advice, including keeping air conditioning units at 25 degrees Celsius to lower electric bills.
The discussions align with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s recent appeal for Filipinos to conserve energy and create a culture of responsible electricity usage.
Department of Budget and Management Undersecretary Goddes Hope Libiran, who leads AIMM alongside Philippine Information Agency-National Capital Region Director Emver Cortez, called on information officers to “champion transparency and continue to empower citizens with their right to know.”
Raymond Acoba from the Public Affairs Unit of PhilHealth PRO NCR discussed the agency’s services, which aim to ensure that all Filipinos have access to quality healthcare.
The meeting also covered voter education, with Pasig City Election Officer lawyer Ronald Santiago sharing that voting hours for the upcoming May 12 elections will begin at 5 a.m.
Santiago warned that “shading more than 12 senatorial bets will invalidate your list,” explaining that overvoting occurs when someone votes for more than the maximum number of selections allowed.
Meralco hosted the conference to strengthen partnerships with public information officers and improve consumers’ access to accurate information about energy consumption and management. (JCO/PIA-NCR)
(Photos by Gelaine Louise Gutierrez/PIA-NCR)
