Agusan Norte information officers boost skills to keep communities informed
By PIA Agusan del Norte
BUTUAN CITY (PIA) — Agusanons stand to benefit from clearer government announcements, better public service communication, and stronger protection against misinformation and disinformation as information officers in Agusan del Norte recently enhanced their skills during a Press Freedom Symposium at the Provincial Training Center in Butuan City.
Held on October 14, the activity brought together information officers from the province’s municipalities and various offices of the Provincial Government of Agusan del Norte to strengthen coordination and promote responsible information sharing amid the challenges of misinformation and disinformation in the digital age.
The symposium supports the national government’s thrust for transparent and accountable governance under President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and the development agenda of the Provincial Government of Agusan del Norte under Governor Ma. Angelica Rosedell M. Amante. Effective coordination among government communicators helps residents better understand public services, livelihood assistance, health initiatives, disaster preparedness, and other programs that affect their daily lives.
Information Officer Nora L. Molde, PhD, of the Philippine Information Agency (PIA)-Agusan del Norte Government Information Center, one of the resource speakers, discussed press freedom in the digital age and the responsibilities of information officers in verifying facts and practicing ethical communication, particularly on digital platforms where misleading content can spread rapidly.
Molde emphasized the importance of critical thinking, fact-checking, and ethical communication, particularly in the use of digital platforms where misleading information can spread rapidly and undermine public understanding and trust.
Renelle L. Escuadro, assistant regional head of PIA Caraga, discussed strategic communication and its role in translating government policies, programs, and services into clear, relevant messages that encourage public awareness and participation.
Orencio Corvera Jr., services coordinator of the Congressional District Office of Representative Dale B. Corvera and adviser to the Agusan del Norte Information Officers Network (ADN-ION), emphasized the importance of aligning information dissemination with the province’s strategic development priorities and policy directions.
Edgar Palarca Jr., provincial community affairs officer and chief of the Community Affairs Division under the Office of the Governor, also shared insights on the role of information officers in advancing the province’s development agenda, including its historical context.
The discussions highlighted the importance of critical thinking, fact-checking, and discernment before sharing content, particularly on social media. These practices help residents avoid misleading claims and make informed decisions about government services and community concerns.
ADN-ION president Raymond Maglanoc said stronger collaboration among information officers would help bring government information to communities and enable Agusanons to better understand and access public programs and services. (NCLM, PIA Agusan del Norte)
