PCOO, PIA spearhead 1st National Information Convention
The Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) through the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) spearheaded the 1st National Information Convention last Feb. 19-21, 2018 at SMX Convention Center, Sm Lanang, Davao City.
With the theme: “Spurring Development and Empowering Communities through Information,” the convention was attended by over 2,000 information officers from National Government Agencies(NGAs) and Local Government Units (LGUs) across the Philippines.
“What we aim to accomplish in this convention is to have deeper understanding of our role as information officers in fulfilling development objectives, and gain a greater appreciation of the positive impact we can make in the lives of the Filipino people,” PCOO Sec. Martin Andanar said in his keynote message.
“As communicators, we all know that knowledge is, indeed, power. But the knowledge you and I possess, as we serve in the frontline of the information world, is something that we must impart to the men and women whom we at the PIA call as our ultimate beneficiary- the Filipino people,” Sec. Andanar added.
Plenary session 1 focused on the understanding government programs and policies. Ms. Anna Mae Lamentillo, chairperson of the build, build, build committee of the Department of Public Works and Highways; Undersecretary Felix William Fuentebella, Department of Energy; Assistant Secretary Jonathan Malaya, Department of Interior and Local Government, and Usec. Ernesto Abella, Department of Foreign Affairs served as the resource speakers for the plenary session 1.
On the other hand, plenary session 2 tackled fostering a safe and healthy media environment. The resource speakers for the plenary were: Asec. Ramon Cualoping III of PCOO; Usec. Jose Joel M. Sy Egco, Executive Director of presidential task force on media security; and Noel S. Alamar, DZMM reporter.
While Atty. Michel Ablan of PCOO served as speaker in the plenary 3 that focused on raising the bar of governance. Atty. Ablan gave his insights about freedom of information as the power of an open government for development. Ms. May Catherine Ciriaco of Social Security System and Dr. Serafin Talisayon, vice chair of Society of Knowledge Management Professionals were also speakers for the third plenary.
Luisito Beltran, columnist of The Philippine Star lectured on empowering government communicators while Dr. Elena Pernia, dean of College of Mass Communication of the University of the Philippines discussed on empowering communities through media and information literacy. They served as discussants during the fourth plenary that focused on promoting responsible digital citizenship.
Plenary 5 focused on developing a dynamic development communication strategy. Atty. Maria Janet Mesa, Rey Langit, Asec. Jonas George Soriano, and Ron Jabal served as resource speakers during the plenary session. While plenary 6 focused on civic engagement and national building.
At the end of the convention, the PCOO launched the DU30 application as the newest media platform to link Filipino communities worldwide.
The application will give updates on the plans and activities of the present administration.
“Let us wage war against disinformation, misinformation, and fake news. Let us advocate for a well-informed citizenry,” Sec. Andanar reminded the government information officers. #Lyndee Rose Basilio
