DAGUPAN CITY (PIA) – Around 70 information officers from various national government agencies (NGAs) and local government units (LGUs) in Pangasinan champion inclusive communication through sign language training held on March 19 in this city.
The training was conducted by the Philippine Information Agency (PIA)-Pangasinan, in collaboration with the Pangasinan Government Information Officers Association, Inc. (PaGIOA) and the City Government of Dagupan spearheaded by Mayor Belen Fernandez that aims to equip information officers with sign language skills to promote inclusive and accessible communication.
April Bravo, assistant regional director of PIA Region 1, said, “Equipping information officers with sign language isn't just about adding a new skill; it's about creating a more inclusive, equitable society.
“Sign language fluency by information officers sends a powerful message: We value everyone's voice and participation. It is a commitment to breaking down barriers and creating a world where everyone feels included,” Bravo said.
Dagupan City Mayor Belen Fernandez, who graced the event as the guest of honor and speaker, emphasized that the training conducted is very significant in broadening the community's understanding and building a stronger connection with deaf and hard-of-hearing people.
"This training gives me an idea that I should act more, give more importance to hearing impaired individuals, thus, I'm asking the City Social Welfare and Development officers to improve this program that we have for deaf and hard-of-hearing Dagupeños," said Fernandez.
Likewise, PaGIOA members expressed their gratitude to the city government for their support to the association and recognizing the significance of the activity to promote inclusive communication.
Jennifer V. Garcia, RSW, Disability Affairs Officer IV and PDAO Head of the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO) Pangasinan, served as the resource speaker during the training.
Garcia said Filipino Sign Language is an important skill that every Filipino should acquire to become more inclusive and more empathetic towards deaf and hard-of-hearing people
During the event, members of the association also elected their new sets of officers for the calendar year 2024 to 2026.
Venus May Sarmiento of the Pangasinan State University (PSU) was elected as the new president succeeding Ma. Shiela Bascon-De Guzman of the Department of Education (DepEd) Pangasinan Schools Division 1.
De Guzman, who previously served as the President from June 2022, will now assume the role of Chairperson of the Board of Trustees, succeeding Oscar Navata of the National Irrigation Administration (NIA) Region 1.
Other elected officers for the Pangasinan Government Information Officers’ Association, Inc. (PaGIOA) are as follows:
· Vice President: Janice Guarin (LGU Mangaldan)
· Secretary: Mae Rueda (LGU Lingayen)
· Treasurer: Rianna Jane Ortega (LGU Pozorrubio)
· Auditor: Vicky Melchor (Pangasinan Provincial Police Office)
· Business Manager: Arman Soriano (NIA Pangasinan)
· Public Relations Officer: Mel Aguilar (LGU Asingan)
· Area Coordinator for Western Pangasinan: Venus Balgua (LGU Alaminos)
· Area Coordinator for Eastern Pangasinan: Brenn Justin Guevarra (Department of Science and Technology - Pangasinan)
· Area Coordinator for Central Pangasinan: Julie Pearl Maramba (Region 1 Medical Center)
· Area Coordinator for Dagupan City: Rica Mae De Guzman (Bureau of Fire Protection – Dagupan City) received their PaGIOA identification cards and certificate of participation.
"Likewise, I hope that the next set of officers will carry the torch of PaGIOA with dedication and passion," expressed de Guzman who pushed for the establishment of the association’s identification system.
"May our organization continue to shine as a beacon of knowledge, understanding, cooperation, and inclusivity, enriching the lives of our members and the communities we serve," she said.
As a partner of PIA - the government's lead communication arm, PaGIOA is committed to realizing the President’s advocacy by actively engaging with project beneficiaries and the public to gather valuable feedback.
PaGIOA also strives to foster cohesive collaboration with citizens in Pangasinan to promote government development programs. (JCR/AMB/EMSA/PIA Pangasinan)
