PROSPERIDAD: The Presidential Communications Office (PCO), through the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) 13 (Caraga), has taken significant steps to enhance the communication network across Agusan del Sur’s barangays by organizing a Barangay Information Officers Network (BION) Assembly. The initiative saw participation from around 500 attendees, including designated information officers from the province’s 314 barangays, gathered at the DO Plaza Government Center in Barangay Patin-ay.

According to Philippines News Agency, the assembly aimed to ensure the consistent and accurate dissemination of information at the grassroots level. The event not only focused on strengthening communication channels but also equipped barangay information officers with essential tools and techniques for effective information dissemination and crisis communication.

During the assembly, PIA Deputy Director General Adolfo Ares Gutierrez emphasized the importance of barangay information officers in the battle against misinformat
ion. “We, in PCO and PIA, are very aggressive in the fight against fake news. We need to build an army of truth-tellers,” Gutierrez stated, highlighting the crucial role these officers play in maintaining the integrity of information.

Junard Sonio, the designated information officer of Barangay Bunagit in Esperanza town, underscored the assembly’s role in promoting collaboration among barangay information officers. “The assembly encourages collaboration and networking among barangay information officers,” Sonio, who also serves as the barangay secretary of Bunagit, mentioned in a phone interview. He noted that improved networking would be beneficial, especially during emergencies and disasters, as the timely dissemination of accurate information is vital.

The PIA-13 also expressed gratitude for the support from provincial, municipal, and barangay governments in Agusan del Sur, which contributed to the success of the assembly.