Agusan Norte info officers unite to strengthen public access to government information
By PIA Agusan del Norte
LAS NIEVES, Agusan del Norte (PIA) — The provincial, city, and municipal information officers in Agusan del Norte have organized a stronger network of government communicators to improve the delivery of timely, accurate, relevant, and accessible information to communities across the province.
With 10 municipalities, one city, 187 barangays, and two interim barangays, the province needs a coordinated information network to ensure that government programs, services, policies, directives, and development initiatives reach the people they are intended to serve.
The initiative supports the national government’s push for responsive, coordinated, and people-centered governance under President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and the Bagong Pilipinas agenda. It also reinforces the role of local information officers in translating national programs, policies, and priorities into clear and relevant information for communities.
The initiative is supported by Governor Ma. Angelica Rosedell M. Amante and Congressional Representative Dale B. Corvera, recognizing the importance of a strong information network in connecting government programs and services with the people. Their support also highlights the role of information officers as a vital link between government and communities, helping people understand and access available services, assistance, and opportunities.
Nora L. Molde of the Philippine Information Agency (PIA)-Agusan del Norte Government Information Center (GIC) said the network will strengthen coordination among information officers and ensure that government information responds to the needs of local communities.
“Regardless of our area of assignment, we have one common responsibility that is to bring the right information to the right people at the right time,” Molde said.
She reminded the information officers that their work goes beyond posting announcements or covering government activities. They are responsible for helping communities understand government programs, services, policies, and opportunities, identifying information needs, coordinating with concerned offices, verifying information, and using appropriate communication channels to reach their intended audiences.
Molde added that the network will help information officers work together in communicating national and local government programs, including social protection, agriculture and livelihood assistance, health, education, infrastructure, disaster preparedness and response, and other initiatives that benefit communities.
Meanwhile, Orencio Corvera, chief of staff of the Agusan del Norte Congressional District Office, highlighted the importance of information officers in connecting government programs and initiatives with the people. He challenged the IOs to perform their responsibilities with commitment and purpose, particularly in helping communities understand and access government services.
Raymond M. Maglanoc, elected president of the network, said the organization will also strengthen coordination during emergencies and disasters through the faster dissemination of verified warnings, advisories, preparedness measures, and response information.
The network will likewise provide a continuing platform for information sharing, coordination of communication activities, exchange of good practices, and identification of community information needs. Through closer collaboration, information officers can help ensure more consistent, reliable, and responsive government communication across the province.
Anchored on the theme, “One Network. One Voice. One Agusan del Norte,” the initiative reflects the shared commitment of government communicators to bridge information gaps and bring government closer to the people through timely, accurate, relevant, understandable, and accessible public information.
The organizational meeting was conducted on Wednesday, September 23, in Las Nieves, Agusan del Norte, with the municipality of Las Nieves serving as host. The meeting was facilitated by the PIA-Agusan del Norte GIC, in partnership with the provincial government of Agusan del Norte, with the cooperation of the Agusan del Norte Congressional District Office and the Vice Governor’s Office. (NCLM, PIA Agusan del Norte)
