PIA Caraga, Bislig CIO boost network of barangay information officers
By Nida Grace P. Barcena
BISLIG CITY, Surigao del Sur (PIA) — Recognizing the important role of grassroots communicators, the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Caraga, through its Surigao del Sur Government Information Center (GIC), in partnership with the city government of Bislig through the City Information Office (CIO), conducted an orientation for barangay information officers (BIOs) to strengthen their capacity to disseminate accurate, timely, and relevant information to the communities.
The orientation was held on September 9 during the ‘Panagtigum’ (gathering) at the Bislig City Cultural and Sports Center. It brought together BIOs, barangay council members, Sangguniang Kabataan officials, student leaders, information officers from various city government offices, media partners, and other stakeholders.
PIA Caraga Regional Head Venus L. Garcia led the orientation and emphasized the important role of BIOs and information officers as grassroots communicators who help connect government with the people.
Garcia stressed that government communication should not end at national or city government offices. It must reach the barangays where people directly experience government programs and services and where timely information can make a difference in their decisions and daily lives.
She encouraged BIOs to become dependable sources of official information in their respective communities by properly communicating government announcements, programs, services, advisories, and other information that residents need.
With social media now serving as a major source of information for many people, Garcia also reminded community communicators to exercise greater responsibility before sharing content.
She emphasized the importance of verifying information first, particularly when dealing with reports, announcements, or claims that may affect public safety, government services, or community welfare.
The orientation underscored the value of having one accurate and consistent message in government communication. When information is clear and properly verified, communities are better equipped to understand government initiatives and make use of services available to them.
Meanwhile, participants also underwent capability development for mobile journalism (MoJo) facilitated by PIA Caraga personnel during the event. The session equipped participants with practical knowledge and skills in gathering, producing, and presenting information using mobile devices, enabling them to more effectively document community activities and share timely, relevant stories.
For the BIOs, strengthening their communication skills is not only about learning how to share information. It is also about understanding their responsibility as trusted communicators in their communities, people whom residents can approach when they need reliable information about government programs and services.
The initiative also strengthened coordination among barangay communicators, the city information office, government agencies, and media partners, helping build a more connected local information network.
By investing in the capacity of grassroots communicators, PIA Caraga through its Surigao del Sur GIC and Bislig CIO aim to help close information gaps and ensure that government messages reach even the farthest communities in a clear, timely, and understandable manner.
The activity further reinforces the role of effective grassroots communication in advancing people-centered governance, where citizens are not only informed but are better empowered to understand, participate in, and benefit from government programs and services. (NGPB, PIA Surigao del Sur)
