SAN FERNANDO CITY, La Union (PIA) — A one-day training on crisis communication and cybersecurity was organized by the Philippine Information Agency (PIA)-La Union for members of the La Union Association of Government Information Officers (LUAGIO) on Sept. 23 to enhance emergency communication strategies, maintain public trust, and ensure effective crisis responses within the province.
The activity, titled “Fostering Communication Resiliency in the Midst of Crises,” brought together around 70 information officers from local government units and agencies across La Union.
Jennilyne Role, regional head of the Philippine Information Agency Region 1, said the training is crucial as timely communication is essential for navigating complex situations and enabling information officers to deliver accurate information promptly.
“You are not just honing your skills—you are becoming the frontline protectors of truth, trust, and public safety. Your ability to communicate effectively during crises and your preparedness against cyber threats will make all the difference in how our communities respond and recover,” Role said.
The Office of the Civil Defense (OCD) Region 1 discussed crisis communication, focusing on the use of diverse media platforms, audience needs assessment, and strategic messaging. It also aimed at empowering institutions to combat misinformation while sustaining public support.
Meanwhile, the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) Region 1 tackled cybersecurity, ensuring that communication channels remain reliable and secure, resulting in more effective responses during emergencies.
Ultimately, the training aims to establish and maintain resilient communication networks across local government units and agencies throughout La Union.
By enhancing preparedness, personnel can more effectively respond to unexpected challenges, enabling agencies and local governments to engage swiftly and adapt during emergencies.
In a message from LUAGIO President Rowan Joshua Dimaculangan, Justin Paul Marbella, supervising administrative officer of the La Union Provincial Information Office and an association member, stated that responses to crises and challenges have evolved with the times, as technology facilitates faster and more efficient strategies.
“With the advent of technologies, social media, the landscape of public information has changed. Our work in government communications is challenging, that is why we always need to hold the fort,” Marbella said.
Pia Corsino, a LUAGIO member from the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (PENRO) – La Union, emphasized the importance of the training in using communication as a tool for her agency’s information dissemination.
“I appreciate the new insights and learnings, particularly regarding communication as an aid, the significance of risk communication, and the types and prevention of cyber threats,” Corsino stated.
The LUAGIO is an organization composed of information officers from local government units and national government agencies in La Union.
It is dedicated to enhancing members’ capabilities, providing training and resources that equip its members with effective communication strategies.
The association relies on social media and technologies to improve its engagement with the public.
By highlighting collaboration among government information officers, LUAGIO seeks to improve the overall effectiveness of government communications in the region. (MJTAB/CCMT, PIA La Union)
