By Shaun Alejandrae Y. Uy
OPOL, Misamis Oriental (PIA) — The local government of Opol is strengthening grassroots communication efforts to address the spread of misinformation.
Mayor Jayfrancis D. Bago called on barangay information officers (BIOs) to share verified information and help rebuild public trust during a meeting with the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Northern Mindanao on March 26.
Bago cited the speed at which unverified information circulates on digital platforms.
“Mas nauna pa ang fake news kaysa tinuod, (Fake news comes first before the truth),” he said.
He said efforts to counter misinformation should begin at the barangay level, where trained information officers can help address information gaps and keep communities informed.
“Bisan unsa ka maayo ang leaders (no matter how good our leaders are), in performance, public service, and all activities. But at the end of the day, if we don’t tell people what we are doing, mauna gihapon ang fake news (fake news will surface first), to destroy the reputation of our good leaders.” Bago said.
Bago said the local government sees the need to establish barangay information offices in the municipality.
“But how will we be able to fight that? Give them the real news. Just tell them what the truth really is. Dili na kinahanglan mangdaot pa ta sa matag-usa (There’s no need for us to bring each other down anymore),” he said.
For his part, PIA Regional Head Franklin Gumapon introduced the reason for the Barangay Information Officers Network (BION) activation.
“Barangay information officers, we consider you as force multipliers. We are here to communicate timely, relevant, accurate information. This is one way of fighting disinformation, misinformation, and malinformation,” Gumapon said.
He said BIOs are tasked to communicate government programs, projects, policies, and activities.
“You are the front-line truth-tellers. With Bagong Pilipinas, the Barangay Information Officers Network will be able to bring government services closer to the people, those in the rural areas, with efficiency and transparency, ensuring that no one is left behind,” he said.
Gumapon emphasized that government services should be accessible to all.
PIA Information Officer Gabriel Andres discussed social media management and developments in mobile information dissemination.
Andres said BIOs should engage with communities and build trust.
“In fact, they are a part of governance as well. We engage with them to be of service and to be accessible to them. We set the records straight. We share facts and figures, and also to mobilize,” said Andres.
Barangay Taboc Information Officer Gary Mag-away said the session guided his role, emphasizing the importance of the BION in improving information delivery.
“Ang unang lakang nga pagabuhaton, i-apply ang maong na kat-onan sa maong pocket meeting,” he said.
He also acknowledged the support of the barangay and municipal government, as well as the PIA.
The Opol Municipal Information Office plans to strengthen coordination with the PIA to support BIOs.
The Sangguniang Bayan has committed to passing an ordinance to support the capacity of BIOs.
The proposed ordinance is being drafted by Clessa Monique Otacan, chairperson of the Committee on Communications and Digital Infrastructure. (SAYU/PIA-10/Misamis Oriental)
Photo caption
MAYOR JAY BAGO OPOL. Mayor Jayfrancis D. Bago underscores the need to strengthen grassroots communication during the Barangay Information Officers Network meeting with the Philippine Information Agency Northern Mindanao on March 26 in Opol, Misamis Oriental. He called on barangay information officers to provide timely and accurate information to their communities. (Photo: SAYU/PIA-10/Misamis Oriental)
MAYOR JAY BAGO. Barangay Information Officers in Opol, Misamis Oriental pose with Mayor Jayfrancis D. Bago, Vice Mayor Danilo Daroy Jr., Councilor Clessa Monique Otacan, Opol Municipal Information Officer Eastine Charles Taneo, and personnel from the Philippine Information Agency Northern Mindanao during the Barangay Information Officers Network meeting on March 26 in Opol, Misamis Oriental. (Photo courtesy: Opol Municipal Information Office)
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