At the Western Visayas Information Officers Regional Summit 2024, the Information Officer of the province of Guimaras, Liezl Galan – Gatinao, dedicated her Hall of Fame Award to all the people who believe in the power of communication to create positive change.
“For six years being an Information Officer, I learned that the job is not just about disseminating information; it’s about fostering trust, building connections, and ensuring that accurate and timely communication empowers decision making”, said Gatinao who gave the response message on behalf of the other awardees.
Gatinao was named one of the Best Performing Information Officers at the summit attended by about 170 government Information Officers across the region. The accolade she also won in 2022 and 2023.
Every year, through this search, the Philippine Information Agency Region 6 recognizes the remarkable efforts and contributions of government communicators to development communication and in bringing their services and programs closer and accessible to their clients.
The Hall of Fame award is given to Information Officers who for consecutive three years received the said award.
Gatinao, who is formerly a News Director of Bombo Radyo Philippines, said she never expected to be an information officer of a government organization.
“I have envisioned myself a flourishing career in the media industry for the rest of my life”, she said.
It was in 2018 when Gatinao joined the provincial government of Guimaras that provided her an environment that encourages innovation, collaboration and growth.
Aside from her Information works, Gatinao serves as the coordinator of the Provincial Peace and Order Council, Focal Person of the Provincial Anti-Drug Abuse Council, and member of the Council for the Protection of Children that have opened linkages to different sectors. She is also actively involved in the conduct of the Seal of Good Local Governance, Excellence in Local Governance, and Guimaras Good Governance Seal for Barangay Validation.
She has established a strong collaboration with local stakeholders and different national government agencies including the facilitation of the orientation and organization of the Barangay Information Officers in the province.
The recognition, said Gatinao, inspires her to continue to strive for excellence and to use innovative approaches to contribute more meaningfully to the success of the organization and communities she serves.
She was also quick to acknowledge the opportunities, trust and support given to her by the top officials of the province that contributed much to her achievement and to her family, her constant source of strength and inspiration to move forward and remain steadfast in fulfilling her role “bisan sometimes kapoy na”.
PIA assistant director-general of the Organizational Development and International Affairs Atty Tadeo Culla and PIA 6 Rergional Head Cheryl Amor presented the plaque of recognition to Gatinao and the other awardees including another Hall of Famer Joefrry Espiritu of the Provincial Department of Health Office – Capiz during the summit.
Also named Best Performing Information Officers for 2024 were Joy Famini of the City of Victorias, Jeehan Fernandez of the City of Iloilo, Judy Mae Sajo of the Department of Trade and Industry Region VI and Montessa Caoyonan of the Department of Social Welfare and Development VI. (AAL/LAF/PIA6-Iloilo)
