QUEZON CITY (PIA) – In its continuous efforts to combat disinformation and strengthen community involvement, Muntinlupa City conducted a Communications Training for its Truth Advocates (TAs) on December 3, at the Acacia Hotel in Alabang. It seeks to improve the skills and expertise of these communicators, who play an important role in bridging accurate and timely information to different stakeholders.
TAs play an integral part in connecting the local government, barangays, and other groups to ensure that the right information reaches everyone. Soon, they will be working together with schools and communities to develop a more informed and empowered Muntinlupa.
Muntinlupa City Mayor Ruffy Biazon emphasized the importance of providing accessible, reliable, timely, and trustworthy information during his opening remarks. He emphasized the TA’s important role as the city’s frontline communicators.
“Ang trabaho natin ay maglingkod at ‘yong paglilingkod ay hindi lamang doon sa pagkilos, kunyari nag-abot tayo ng tulong. Hindi sapat na iyon lang. We have to be able to communicate, we have to explain to people why we are doing things.
Even ‘yong as simple as pagpapapila during distribution of assistance. As simple as kung anong instructions ang ibinibigay doon, para sa akin, kailangan ipinapaliwanag. Kasi ang tao mas madaling sumunod kapag naiintindihan nila anong nangyayari,” he added.
(Our job is to serve, and public service is not just about actions. We have to be able to communicate; we have to explain to people why we are doing things. Even something as simple as lining up during the distribution of assistance. Even the simple instructions should be explained to them. Because people are more likely to follow when they understand what’s happening.)
Media Literacy
As more people depend on social media for information, there is a greater demand for media literacy and communicators to deliver trustworthy information.
To give the right information, one must be knowledgeable and credible, stresses Philippine Information Agency – National Capital Region (PIA-NCR) Regional Director Emver Cortez during his discussion at the training. Communicators must ensure that the information they provide is accurate, understandable, and relevant to their target audience.
In local governance, communicators play an important role in building trust and understanding. Cortez emphasizes the significance of grassroots efforts, in which communicators work directly with communities to ensure the delivery of accurate information and raise public awareness. (GLDG/PIA-NCR)
