PAGADIAN CITY (PIA) – The Barangay Information Officers Network (BION) Assembly served as a platform to highlight the crucial role of grassroots communication in this province, with the provincial government leading efforts to empower barangay information officers (BIOs).
Governor Victor J. Yu expressed his steadfast support for the initiative during the assembly held on November 28 at the Pavilion Hall, Provincial Government Complex, Barangay Dao, Pagadian City. The event brought together around 800 BIOs from across the province to enhance their capacity as vital channels of accurate and timely information.
“Ato gyud i-organize ang BION kay kabalo tang tanan, karung panahona, ang pinakaimportante gyud sa tanan, communication and information,” Yu said.
(We really need to organize the BION because we all know that in these times, the most important thing of all is communication and information.)
He emphasized that access to information is key to advancing education, technology, and the overall development of barangays.
Recognizing the gap in awareness of government programs in some barangays, Yu underscored the need for BIOs to bridge this divide. “Kung dili na ninyo mahibaw-an [programs of the government], 100% di gyud na maabot sa inyong barangay. Pero kung nakabalo mo ana, walay laing makabenefit niana kon dili inyong katawhan,” he said, urging barangay officials to maximize resources available to them.
(If you don’t know about [the programs of the government], 100% it will not reach your barangay. But if you are aware of it, no one else will benefit from it but your people.)
The provincial government has also been proactive in bolstering communication infrastructure. Yu announced that 70% of barangay halls are now equipped with Wi-Fi, with full coverage targeted by next year. Furthermore, radios and repeater systems are distributed to ensure reliable emergency communication.
“Kinahanglan gyud aktibo mo, especially pag gather ug information, paghatag ug information sa inyong barangay,” Yu stressed. He reminded the BIOs of the responsibility they carry in fostering progress in their communities.
(You need to be active, especially in gathering information and sharing it with your barangay.)
The assembly, organized by the Presidential Communications Office, through the Philippine Information Agency, aims to harmonize communication efforts across the province and equip BIOs with the skills needed to serve as effective community communicators.
Governor Yu’s commitment to empowering barangay information officers underscores his administration’s dedication to inclusive development, ensuring that information and opportunities reach even the most remote communities in Zamboanga del Sur. (EDT/HTB/PIA Zamboanga del Sur)
