ILOILO CITY (PIA) – City and provincial information officers, including Barangay Information Officers (BIOs), toured Iloilo City to learn from the city government’s “best practices” in public service.
The Iloilo-Guimaras Information Officers Association (IGIOA) and the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) – Iloilo, in partnership with the Iloilo City government, organized the tour, showcasing initiatives like the Graciano Lopez Public Library and the Iloilo City Action and Resilience (ICARE) Center.
The public library provides students with a safe study space and access to free Wi-Fi, computers and a wide selection of books.
The ICARE centralized emergency operation center and its satellite centers aim to provide an integrated response network across districts, bringing safety services closer to residents.
Donna Magno, head of the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO), told the visiting information officers at the ICARE Command Center in Gaisano City Center, Mandurriao district, that each ICARE center houses essential services like police, CDRRMO, Public Safety and Transportation Management Office and fire personnel. The decentralized emergency response makes services more accessible.
The ICARE centers contributed to Iloilo City’s success as a disaster risk reduction and management (DRRM) champion, evidenced by its third consecutive Gawad KALASAG award in 2024.
The tour also included visits to the Maritime Museum, Casa Maruja, Molo Mansion, Sunset Boulevard and the Brandy Museum, highlighting the city’s tourism industry.
Hannah Chavez, information officer of Passi City, said the tour provided valuable insights into showcasing their town and replicating Iloilo City’s successful programs.
Lucy Sinay, Iloilo City information officer and IGIOA president, said the tour, hosted by the City Mayor’s Office Tour Guide, showcased the city’s programs and their benefits to the community. (AAL/JNH/PIA Iloilo)
