ISABELA CITY, Basilan, Jul 03 (PIA) – The Philippine Information Agency – Region IX pushed to strengthen communication mechanism in Zamboanga Peninsula in support to peace and order.
RD Noemi B. Edaga of PIA-IX moved for a resolution during the Joint Regional Development Center IX and Regional Peace and Order Council IX meeting in Isabela City to strengthen the communication network through designation of information officers in all government agencies and local government units from the provincial level down to the barangay level. The designated information officers will also be required to be active and engage with the Mindanao Communicators Network (MindaComnet) to promote coordination and collaboration among key stakeholders.
This was approved by members of the RDC IX and RPOC IX as they recognized that communication and information are necessary to debunk false accusations of red-tagging.
“Through the designation of information officers, we can strengthen our network in communicating and sharing information; accountable systems which can be put in place to reduce fear and stigma that may be associated with being labeled as communists or terrorists,” RD Edaga said.
This also came after the issue on the previous travel advisories of US embassy was brought out during the discussion. The US embassy previously issued travel advisories warning its citizens to be very cautious in their travel plans in Mindanao due to terrorist threats, insurgent activities and kidnappings. The members of both councils considered this as one factor that affects their efforts as they continuously promote peace and development in Mindanao especially in Zamboanga Peninsula.
RD Edaga also explained the need for every agency to have their own communication plan which will help them establish concrete communication strategy to disseminate information.
“A communication plan is essential in supporting peace and order efforts. It is very important that all members of this council, all agencies and organizations will have their communication plan. This helps to facilitate collaboration and coordination among different stakeholders involved in the promotion of peace and order,” RD Edaga stressed as she recognized the efforts of the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) – Mindanao Cluster in formulating their communication plan last year. (RVC/EDT/NDR/PIA Basilan)
