TUGUEGARAO CITY, Cagayan (PIA) — Recognizing the vital role of grassroots participation in ensuring that accurate, timely, and relevant information reaches every Filipino, the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Region 2 has tapped at least 50 community volunteers regionwide to serve as the agency’s Information Patrollers or i-Pats.
The i-Pats project aims to build a network of trained volunteers who will help amplify the voices of the communities, highlight government services, and provide insights into urgent local concerns that require intervention.
PIA Director-General Katherine Chloe S. De Castro commended this initiative of the region as she looks forward to the success of i-Pats and the positive impact it will bring to our communities.
“More than just an information network, this initiative fosters transparency, collaboration, and a stronger sense of community involvement,” the director-general urged all the I-Pats to continue their dedication to ensuring that our communities receive accurate, timely, and relevant news.
During the online orientation held recently, PIA Regional Head Angely L. Mercado said the PIA Community Information Patrollers group is a pioneering initiative that empowers local citizens to serve as on-the-ground reporters and liaisons.
“What makes this initiative even more inspiring is that I-Pats’ participation is voluntary. They have committed to helping us because they all believe in the power of informed communities despite their own personal and professional commitments,” Mercado added.
To equip the I-Patrollers with the skills and insights they need to carry out their roles effectively, PIA Assistant Regional Head Oliver Baccay provided participants with insights into the power of mobile journalism, along with tips and techniques in reporting, while Broadcaster Teresa Campos of Radyo Pilipinas-Tuguegarao shared effective strategies for gathering information. (OTB/PIA Region 2)
