Empowering grassroots communication, Tagkawayan orients barangay information officers

By Nimfa L. Estrellado Tagkawayan Mayor Carlo Eleazar spearheads orientation for newly appointed Barangay Information Officers, emphasizing ...

By Nimfa L. Estrellado

Tagkawayan Mayor Carlo Eleazar spearheads orientation for newly appointed Barangay Information Officers, emphasizing their crucial role in disseminating accurate and timely information to the community. (Tagkawayan Teleradyo)

TAGKAWAYAN, Quezon - With an aim to bolster communication between the local government and its constituents, the municipality of Tagkawayan, Quezon launched an orientation for 45 newly appointed Barangay Information Officers (BIOs) from their respective barangays, held at the Municipal Function Hall. This significant milestone underscores the local government's commitment to transparency, accountability, and community engagement.

Spearheaded by the office of Mayor Carlo Eleazar, particularly the Integrated Public Information Unit, the program aimed to identify and train new partners in disseminating crucial information from each barangay to the wider community. Local government support for grassroots communicators empowers citizens and fosters community involvement through informed decision-making and active participation.



In his address, Mayor Eleazar emphasized the vital role of the BIOs in spreading accurate, timely, and relevant information. "Kayo ang tulay ng gobyerno at mamamayan pagdating sa komunikasyon." He conveyed his vision of these officers as vital conduits, ensuring that essential news, programs, and opportunities from the municipal level effectively reach every corner of Tagkawayan.

Mayor Eleazar stressed that clear and consistent communication is paramount for building trust and fostering collaboration between the government and its people, and also highlighted the expectation that the BIOs will serve as reliable sources of information, ensuring that accurate and timely updates reach all constituents, thereby strengthening the bond between the local government and the community it serves.

Mayor Carlo Eleazar

He highlighted on the significance of the BIOs' role, stressing its importance beyond disaster situations. "Mahalaga ang inyong papel hindi lang sa panahon ng kalamidad kundi sa lahat ng bagay, announcement pag may assembly, may pay-out sa senior citizen, sa agriculture ay magbibigay ng pang-ayuda at iba pa"

Reden S. De Villa, Information Officer of the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Tagkawayan, discussed the program design and the selection process for the BIOs during the orientation. He outlined the forthcoming activities, which will include comprehensive training on: Effective Communication and Public Speaking; Information Management and Documentation; Use of Social Media and Digital Platforms; Community Engagement and Feedback Mechanisms; Barangay Governance and Legal Framework; and Crisis Communication.

Reden S. De Villa

According to De Villa, "Masaya po kami na isa ang Tagkawayan sa mga unang nag-organisa ng Barangay Information Officers sa ating Lalawigan, patunay lamang ng pagpapahalaga ng lokal na pamahalaan sa mandato nito ang isulong ang transparency, public accountability, at participatory governance."

The orientation aimed to strengthen the BIOs' capabilities in communication, documentation, and information dissemination to enhance their effectiveness within their respective barangays. It introduced them to fundamental principles of public information, ethical reporting, and the importance of verifying information before dissemination. The activity also laid the groundwork for the upcoming in-depth training sessions, providing a foundational understanding of their roles and responsibilities.

The participants expressed their gratitude for this initiative by the local government and voiced their hopes for further deepening their knowledge and skills in future training sessions. This undertaking is part of Tagkawayan's intensified campaign for transparency, participatory governance, and community empowerment through the responsible sharing of information.