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As digital transformation reshapes how people interact and communicate, engaging citizens effectively has become increasingly vital. The Philippine Information Agency (PIA) has introduced an initiative aimed at improving grassroots information dissemination through a network of Barangay Information Officers (BIOs). This initiative is expected to address existing gaps in delivering reliable information to local communities, fostering a more informed and engaged public.
Local leaders, including Gene Guillermo of Barangay Agbun-od, have welcomed the PIA’s establishment of a BIO network, expecting it to improve information dissemination and better inform citizens. Guillermo noted, “The organisation of the BIOs by the PIA is a better way to improve the system of information dissemination to our community.”
BIOs are expected to play a crucial role in ensuring that information is both accurate and effectively communicated. Ann Christine B. Nicholas, a BIO from Barangay Jaena Sur, shared her realisation about the significance of disseminating truthful information following the orientation.
She stated, “We have a great responsibility in disseminating truthful information in our community. The information we share must be accurate because people’s trust in the government’s initiatives depends on it.”
Nicholas’s emphasis on accuracy underscores the BIOs’ critical role in maintaining public trust and ensuring that government messages are reliable and credible.
PIA-Capis’s Information Centre Manager, Alex Lumaque, highlighted that the orientation and organisation of the BIOs are part of a broader strategy to reinforce the network of information officers at the community level. The training programme included capacity-building sessions covering duties and responsibilities, basic photography, social media management, and content development. These sessions are designed to equip BIOs with the necessary skills to effectively engage with their communities and enhance the quality of information dissemination.
The orientation programme not only focused on improving skills but also on fostering a sense of responsibility among the BIOs. Participants expressed a strong desire to invite the agency to conduct barangay forums, or “Hinun-anon sa barangay,” in their respective communities. This enthusiasm reflects the BIOs’ commitment to their roles as information multipliers and their eagerness to contribute to more effective communication within their areas.
Lumaque also emphasised that this initiative aligns with President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr.’s 2022 State of the Nation Address, which called for government services to be delivered more effectively and comprehensibly at the grassroots level. By strengthening the BIO network, PIA aims to bring government efforts closer to the people, ensuring that services are not only present but also perceived and understood by the public.
The orientation concluded with positive feedback from the participants, who were eager to apply their new skills and knowledge in their communities. This enthusiastic response highlights the potential of smart communications solutions to enhance citizen engagement and improve the overall effectiveness of information dissemination. By leveraging digital tools and providing targeted training, PIA’s initiative aims to create a more informed and connected public, demonstrating a commitment to transparent and responsive governance.
Supported by advanced tools and digital platforms, the nation aims to improve disaster preparedness and response, reflecting its commitment to taking communication seriously both in routine life and during critical events.
The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) Region 2 has introduced GECS-MOVE, a high-tech mobile hub with an off-road vehicle and motorcycle to enhance real-time emergency response and coordination in disaster zones.
PIA’s initiative to establish a network of BIOs represents a strategic approach to improving information dissemination and citizen engagement. Through digital tools and comprehensive training, the programme seeks to address communication gaps and foster a more informed and engaged citizenry, reflecting a commitment to effective and transparent governance.
