PAGADIAN CITY (PIA) – About 60 members of the Barangay Information Officers Network (BION) in this city have pledged to share timely, relevant, and accurate information with their constituents.
Their commitment was highlighted with the BION’s recent orientation and capacity-building session held in the city’s executive function hall. The event aimed to facilitate the seamless flow of information from the government to the grassroots level, ensuring that residents are well-informed about government programs, services, and initiatives.
During the session, the BION members presented their communication plans for their barangays.
“Our plan is to propose activities for the youth in connection with the peace and order, for them to have a better future,” said Vergilio Sandialan Jr., designated barangay information officer of Barangay Deborok.
Barangay Bomba Information Officer Jeneil Bazan said the establishment of the information network in the barangays will enable coastal areas, like theirs, which are disaster-prone to be more ready and well informed.
“We plan to educate the residents of Barangay Bomba about disaster preparedness,” she said.
Meanwhile, PIA Regional Head Noemi Edaga discussed the “Bagong Pilipinas” initiative of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. ‘s administration and the region’s development plan, V.I.B.R.A.N.T ZamPen. She emphasized the importance of these initiatives in driving socio-economic growth and improving the quality of life in the region.
Edaga also underscored the role of information officers in promoting government programs and ensuring that accurate and timely information reaches the furthest communities.
“Let us talk the walk, walk the talk for a vibrant ZAMPEN,” she said.
During the activity, the BIOs learned about their roles and responsibilities, social media handling, photojournalism and social media ethics.
The event concluded with all participants, led by City Information Officer Leo Santillan, making a commitment to their roles as information officers.
“Information is a very powerful tool. The role you play in bridging the gap between the government and the public cannot be overstated. You are the frontline communicators who ensure essential information which is at every corner in our city,” Santillan said.
The BION orientation and capacity building is spearheaded by the PIA-9 in collaboration with the City Government of Pagadian and the Department of the Interior and Local Government. (EDT/CCP/EAM/PIA9)
