DUMAGUETE CITY, Negros Oriental (PIA) – The Regional Association of Development Information Officers in Region 7 (RADIO-7), an aggrupation of public information officers (PIOs) in Central Visayas, has expressed its support to government agencies at the forefront in safeguarding the country’s national interests.
RADIO-7 issued a statement of support to the government’s peace agenda and sustainable tourism efforts during the 26th RADIO-7 Convention held at the Negros Oriental Convention Center, this city on Sept. 5.
The statement was anchored on the convention’s theme, which is: “Communicating the Government’s Peace Agenda to Push for Sustainable Tourism and Beyond.”
The group also lauded the efforts of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, particularly the Philippine Army, in driving away insurgents to maintain peace and stability in the region, especially in Negros Oriental where the insurgency problem is still present.
“Recognizing that a stable internal peace and order status is critical for the sustainable tourism development in Central Visayas, RADIO –7 commends the unwavering efforts of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), particularly the Philippine Army, in driving away insurgents that pose a threat to progress and peace in the region,” the group said in its statement of support.
RADIO-7 also highlighted the importance of sustainability in tourism to ensure tourism growth in the region and livelihood of people that depend on tourism-related activities.
“RADIO-7 is one with the Department of Tourism in advancing sustainability in tourism. We recognize that the gains we have achieved in our tourism and other industries in the region may be held back if the Filipino people succumb to complacency and disaffection for nature and heritage,” the group said.
The association also expressed its support to the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) for defending the country’s national territory over the contested waters of the West Philippine Sea.
“Upholding national interest transcends regional borders. To this, the RADIO-7; also expresses its gratitude and admiration to the personnel of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) for defending the country’s sovereignty,” the group stated.
A ceremonial signing of the statement was done during the program attended by more than 100 PIOs and tourism officers in the region.
RADIO-7 president Risty Villahermosa said the group came up with the statement to boost the morale of government personnel who are relentless in pursuing these goals in the spirit of progress and preserving the country’s resources.
RADIO-7 is the umbrella organization of five PIO associations in Central Visayas, namely: ANOPIO, Cebu Association of City and Municipal Public Information Officers (CAOCAMPIO), Association of United Development Information Officers (AUDIO) Bohol, Siquijor Association of Information Disseminators (SAID), and Association of Government Information Officers in Region 7 (AGIO-7). (RAL/PIA7-Negros Oriental)
