ALCALA, Cagayan (PIA) — The Philippine Information Agency (PIA) continues its grassroots engagement through its “PIA sa Barangay” program, which brings critical and relevant information directly to local communities, specifically on disaster resilience, sustainable agriculture, freedom of information, and anti-insurgency.
In partnership with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Department of Agriculture (DA), and National Intelligence Coordinating Agency (NICA), the initiative reached Barangay Afusing Daga, Alcala, Cagayan, on September 5, 2024.
The program aimed to provide crucial information and services to hundreds of participants, including Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) members, barangay and community workers, and farmer leaders.
PIA Regional Head Angely L. Mercado underscored the importance of empowering communities with accurate information, emphasizing that informed citizens are key to building resilient communities, stating that access to reliable information is vital for development and empowerment.
“PIA sa Barangay is not just about disseminating information but also engaging with the people, understanding their needs, and working together to find solutions. We are here to listen and ensure that your voices are heard,” she added.
Meanwhile, Vice Mayor Joy Duruin of Alcala stressed the importance of local cooperation and preparedness in mitigating the impact of natural disasters, highlighting Alcala’s recent efforts to improve response mechanisms.
“We are committed to building a safer and more resilient community by ensuring that our people are equipped with the right knowledge and resources,” Duruin said.
The event featured discussions on key government programs such as Disaster Resiliency, led by Conrad Mark Gabriel Bruno of DSWD; Soil Fertility Preservation and Sustainable Agriculture, led by Eric Mata of DA; and the Whole-of-Nation approach to attaining inclusive and sustainable peace, presented by Assistant Regional Director Eden Racho of NICA.
Bruno urged the community to adopt proactive measures in the face of increasing climate-related risks. At the same time, Mata emphasized the importance of maintaining soil fertility to ensure food security.
For his part, Racho spoke about maintaining peace and security within the barangay, emphasizing collaboration between residents and local authorities to ensure a safe and harmonious environment.
A special focus was placed on combating disinformation, presented by PIA Assistant Regional Head Oliver Baccay, who stressed the dangers of false information and encouraged the community to verify facts through trusted sources.
The collaboration between PIA, DSWD, DA, and NICA aims to foster stronger partnerships between government agencies and local communities, ensuring that essential programs and services reach even the country’s most remote areas. (ALM/PIA Region 2)
