BION: PIA partners with MinDA, PLGU to strengthen Dinagat Islands’ public info network
By PIA Dinagat Islands
SAN JOSE, Dinagat Islands (PIA) — The Philippine Information Agency (PIA)-Dinagat Islands Government Information Center (GIC) spearheaded the convergence of over 100 municipal and barangay information officers across the province as a tangible accomplishment of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s Bagong Pilipinas agenda on strengthening government communication as a cornerstone of transparent, accountable, and people-centered governance.
Through a significant, collaborative partnership with the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) and the provincial government, through its Provincial Information Office (PIO).
On July 23, the provincial government unit (PLGU) conducted its first-ever information officers’ conference at the Provincial Guest Center, Barangay Cuarinta, San Jose town with the theme: “Building A Better Mindanao By Strengthening Public Information and IO Empowerment.”
“Every meaningful development begins with a story that people understand, trust, and choose to be part of,” MinDA Secretary Leo Tereso Magno said in a video message. He stressed that effective public communication is essential, noting that development moves faster when institutions communicate with a united message.
Sec. Magno added that in line with President Marcos’ vision of an informed and empowered citizenry, MinDA continues to strengthen the Regional Information Network Forum, fostering closer collaboration among government communicators across Mindanao.
“Through this initiative, President Marcos’ development agenda is reinforced at the grassroots by equipping information officers with the knowledge, skills, and tools to effectively communicate government programs, counter misinformation and disinformation, and encourage greater public participation in nation-building.”
Dinagat Islands Governor Nilo Demerey Jr., chairperson of the Caraga Regional Development Council, emphasized that effective communication is essential to good governance, especially amid the growing challenge of misinformation and disinformation.
“Information is not simply a message to be released. It is a bridge between policies and the people they are meant to serve,” Gov. Demerey said, describing information officers as the storytellers of public service who connect government action with the daily realities of citizens.
Jurie S. Mancia, municipal information officer of San Jose, expressed gratitude for making the IO engagement possible in the province. “
Thank you, MinDA, PIA, and PIO sa pag-organize aning pinakaunang Provincial Information Officers Conference. Salamat usab sa mga BIOs nga nisuporta sa maong event.”
“Ang IOs sa lungsod sa San Jose nagkahiusa, nahibalo ug kanunay andam moserbisyo (The IOs in the municipality of San Jose are united, aware and remain ready to serve the public),” he said.
Meanwhile, PIA Caraga Assistant Regional Head Renelle Escuadro, also the Dinagat Islands GIC coordinator, reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to empowering government communicators, saying, “No information officer—near or far—should be left behind,” as she emphasized PIA’s mandate to bring accurate, timely, and relevant government information to communities.
The conference featured discussions on public information, tourism and development, health, national security, and the West Philippine Sea, equipping local information officers with timely, accurate, and relevant information to combat misinformation and strengthen grassroots communication. (RLE, PIA Dinagat Islands with reports from MinDA and Dinagat Islands PIO)