PAGADAN CITY – Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Director General Katherine Chloe De Castro lauded the critical role of Barangay Information Officers (BIOs) in delivering accurate and timely information to grassroots communities during the first Barangay Information Officers Network (BION) Assembly in Zamboanga Peninsula, held in this city.
Addressing over 800 BIOs from 26 municipalities and Pagadian City, DG De Castro emphasized the importance of government communication in empowering communities.
Kayo ang tulay na nagdurugtong sa gobyerno at mga komunidad. Ang inyong tungkulin ay mahalaga sa pagtiyak na ang tamang impormasyon ay makakarating sa mga taong higit na nangangailangan“
she said, highlighting their role in disseminating legitimate information, even to the most remote areas.
The initiative aims to strengthen the flow of government communication from barangays to citizens. De Castro acknowledged the active participation of Zamboanga del Sur’s BIOs, noting their commitment reflects the increasing demand for accessible information across the province.
De Castro also expressed her gratitude to local officials, particularly Governor Victor Yu and Mayor Samuel Co, for supporting the network. She credited the issuance of executive orders by local chief executives, ensuring that every barangay has a dedicated information officer.
She assured the continued rollout of capacity-building programs for BIOs to enhance their communication skills and build trust between the government and the public.
The BION initiative aligns with the national goal of fostering inclusive communication and promoting transparency under the #BagongPilipinas advocacy. “Sama-sama nating palakasin ang pwersa ng government communicators dito sa Zamboanga Peninsula at sa buong Pilipinas,” De Castro concluded. (EDT/JPA/PIA9-Zamboanga Sibugay)