Ilocos Region info officers undergo DevCom training

CAOAYAN – Information officers from various government line agencies in the Ilocos Region gathered here for a two-day training on development communication (DevCom) anchored on social change.

Director-General Harold Clavite of the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) addressed the government communicators whom he considered as ‘networks’ in bringing information to the communities.

Even with 16 regional offices and 72 provincial offices of PIA nationwide, Clavite said networks like the information officers of various government line agencies are vital bridges in bringing down information to people.

Clavite advised them, however, to be responsible in spreading information about the government to avoid sowing confusion.

“Bago tayo magpakalat ng impormasyon, alamin muna kung totoo o kung saan yun galing. We don’t want to be a source of conflict or confusion,” Clavite said.

In this digital age, where social media is a quick source of information, Clavite told them to manage their accounts well whether the media platforms used are that of the office or their personal accounts.

“ Remind yourselves that even if you use your personal account, nakakabit sa pangalan ninyo na nagta-trabaho kayo para sa gobyerno ,’’ the Director-General said adding that if people knew that a certain person works for the government, they have the tendency to believe the post.

Clavite emphasized the need for the communicators to come together and work in synergy to gain people’s trust and confidence. He said communicators must not only bring down information to the grassroots but are also tasked to bring up information or feedbacks for the executive department.

“ Let us support each other in telling people that this government is working for them,” Clavite stressed.Meanwhile, Clavite announced that PIA also held its last quarter meeting for the national development communication group to re-establish and re-enhance PIA programs. He said year 2017 will be a busy year for PIA considering the Philippines’ hosting of the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) events.

Other speakers for the DevCom training in Ilocos included PIA Deputy Director-General Gregorio Angelo Villar for Public Relations and DevCom, Armando Panganiban for Social Media and Darwin Gernale for Photography. (VHS/PIA-Pangasinan)