The Barangay Information Officers Network (BION) held its annual assembly last November 14, 2024 at The Farm, Carpenter Hill, City of Koronadal, South Cotabato, bringing together over 500 Barangay Information Officers (BIOs) from across the region.
The assembly, hosted by the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) XII led by Dir. Fryan E. Abkilan, aims to empower all BIOs with the tools and knowledge necessary to address local challenges, disseminate accurate information, and foster a more engaged and informed public.
Hon. Atty. Eliordo U. Ogena, City Mayor of Koronadal, South Cotabato, a known advocate for local governance, welcomed all the BIOs in Region XII. He recognized the the vital work these Information Officers do at the grassroots level, building stronger communities through clear, compassionate, and responsible communication.
In his keynote message, Asec Adolfo Ares P. Gutierrez, Deputy General for Regional Operations of PIA, stressed the role of BIOs in an effective local communication. He stated that BIO are the frontline communicators and voices of the barangays, crucial in fostering transparency, enhancing public awareness, and building trust between local government and the people.
A significant part of the assembly underlined the presentation of ASec. Rowena Hidalgo-Otida, Assistant Secretary for Cultural Affairs and International Engagements of the Presidential Communication Office. The “Bagong Pilipinas” presentation embodies a renewed vision for our nation’s growth and progress. She added that it aims to inspire collective action and foster a sense of unity among the people, a call to work together. On the part of the Public Information Officers, a call to combat misinformation and fake news, bridge the government and the public, and empower the BIOs to contribute to a culture of responsible communication in the government.
In addition, the assembly discussed the DILG Memorandum Circular (MC) No. 2017-165 entitled “Support to the Implementation of Journalism/Reported Training Program for the Provincial, City, Municipal, and Barangay Information Officers” presented by Local Government Operations Officer (LGOO) V Cristy Jane A. Buenaflor of DILG Region XII. She pointed out the importance of the directive which provides guidelines/policies for Local Chief Executives (LCEs) at all levels designating a Provincial/City/Municipal and Barangay Information Officers. Through this memorandum, the DILG emphasize the need to capacitate the BIOs and enhance their capabilities in effectively communicating and disseminating vital information to the public at the grassroots level thereby contribute to a transparent and effective barangay local governance.
The assembly includes an Orientation-Training on the Roles of Barangay Information Officers presented by Ms. Shahana Joy Duerme-Mangasar, Information Officer II of PIA XII; on Development Communication discussed by Mr. Danilo E. Doguiles, Assistant Regional Director of PIA XII; on Managing and Creating Engaging Content for Social Media Platforms given by Mr. Oliver Ross V. Rivera, Information Officer III of PIA XII; and on the Role of Information Officers in Combating Misinformation and Managing Public Panic presented by Ms. Catherine T. Apelacio, Information Officer III of PIA XII.
BION Assembly highlighted the City of Koronadal-Barangay Information Officers Network’s Best Practices that can be replicated by other LGUs in the region. The innovative and impactful initiatives carried out by the barangay information officers in their communities illustrated the role of trained, dedicated information officers in promoting responsive governance and fostered a more informed, empowered citizen.”
