BACOLOD CITY (PIA) – Barangay Information Officers (BIOs) in La Carlota City are being trained to shield communities from the surge of false and misleading information spreading across social media.
The BIO network, composed of officers from all 14 villages, along with social media managers from city departments and national government agencies, underwent training on fact-checking, debunking false information, basic news writing, and mobile photography.
The training, led by the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Regional Office 6, aims to equip BIOs to combat fabricated content and sympathy-baiting posts, and ensure the dissemination of accurate government information that improves residents’ lives.
“You are more than just messengers. You are the bridge between the government and its people. You are the protectors of democracy and guardians of truth,” La Carlota City Mayor Rex Jalando-on told the BIOs. He expressed confidence in their ability to defend the public from deceptive information, assuring them of the city government’s support.
PIA Assistant Regional Head Easter Anne Doza emphasized the critical role of BIOs as grassroots communication frontliners, especially amid the “infodemic” or “information pandemic.” She urged them to critically evaluate online information, noting the prevalence of fake news during crises.
City Public Information Officer Ma. Carmela Valencia highlighted the BIOs’ importance in amplifying disaster risk reduction and management (DRRM) information, particularly with the ongoing activity of Kanlaon Volcano. “In terms of crisis, your role as BIO is not just a duty. It is a lifeline,” she said, urging them to be active defenders of truth to prevent panic and manipulation. (AGP/BPS/PIA Negros Occidental)
