MANOLO FORTICH, Bukidnon (PIA) — The Government Communications Academy (GCA) of the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) is nearing its operational phase, with its multi-million-peso building now 90 percent complete.
Initially funded with P79 million on Jan. 6, 2022, the GCA will serve as a premier training facility for government information officers and communications students, raising the bar for communication training. The municipal government donated a lot near the Northern Bukidnon State College (NBSC) campus for its construction.
On April 11, Project Engineer Luke Hebron of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH)-10 briefed Deputy Director-General for Regional Operations Adolfo Ares P. Gutierrez of the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) on the building construction progress.
Hebron stated, “We need an additional P45 million to finish the building,” emphasizing their commitment to delivering state-of-the-art facilities.
PCO administrative officer Alana Hazel Cultura, on the other hand, showed Gutierrez the facilities inside the GCA building, which include a newsroom, TV studio, radio room, recording room, communication tower, conference room, classrooms, Philippine News Agency and PIA offices, cafeteria, supply room, and others.
Once operational, the GCA will provide communications training to government information officers as well as communications students, not only in the field of news writing and script writing but also in broadcasting, production of promotional videos, and other communications training.
Enhancing PIA services
In a related development, newly-appointed PIA Deputy Director-General Elmer Jude Mesina convened the staff of PIA Northern Mindanao and instructed to intensify its approach to disseminating information effectively.
Mesina shared plans to empower PIA employees to gain creativity and critical thinking skills. He said such skills are important in crafting compelling messages that connect with diverse audiences.
Furthermore, he underscored the implementation of a speakers’ training program depending on budget availability. This proposed activity seeks to equip local officials with the skills to engage with the media, handle interviews, and share stories that connect with their communities.
He also emphasized the importance of follow-up communications and the need to measure the success of communication efforts to enhance communication strategies in disseminating information about government programs, policies, and other initiatives.
“Hindi natatapos sa pag-broadcast o pagsusulat, kailangan may follow through sa baba. Typically, ang direction natin is mag-generate ng engagement from people, mag-sink in sa kanila kung ano ang direction ng gobeyrno, na tama ang ginagawa. Remember that we are government communicators, not propagandists,” he said.
(It does not end with broadcasting or writing; there needs to be follow-through on the ground. Typically, our direction is to generate engagement from people, to make them understand the government’s direction and that it is doing the right thing. Remember that we are government communicators, not propagandists.)
Meanwhile, Gutierrez said the PIA Central Office is committed to supporting the regional offices by providing resources, supplies, and training. He also reminded everyone that PIA’s job is development communication, which goes beyond reporting what is happening but explaining to the Filipino people how government programs can improve their lives and the country as a whole.
“We don’t just report what is happening and write about programs, projects, and activities; we also explain them to the people. Ang essence ng (The essence of) development communication is to tell the people why this program is helping you and our nation,” he said.
Following the GCA visit and strategic conference, PIA-10 reaffirmed its commitment to implementing creative communication strategies and enhancing public involvement to promote a better understanding of government programs and policies. (FPG/LELA/PIA-10)
