As the smallest unit of governance in the Philippines, the barangay plays a vital role in the direct delivery of basic services and programs to its residents.
And in the context of Philippine culture and society, where rumors and gossip also start in the barangays, some local government units (LGUs) in the country have decided to enhance the capabilities of barangay officials to disseminate accurate and timely information.
This was the shared goal of the city government of Biñan, Laguna and the provincial government of Laguna as the city officially launched the “Barangay Information Office” for all of its 24 barangays last Monday, September 15.
Biñan City Information Officer Roman Carencia, along with Laguna Provincial Information Officer Danilo Lucas and former broadcast journalist and PIO consultant Doland Castro, led the “Barangay Information Officers Training Program: Data Privacy and Social Media Etiquette” held at the Biñan People’s Center.
During the program, Carencia underscored the role of the new Barangay Information Officers not only to disseminate truthful information but also to serve as a bridge between the public and the government, especially in the age of social media, fake news, and disinformation.
“Ang responsibilidad bilang public information officer ay masiguro na ang tamang impormasyon, sa tamang panahon, ay made-deliver natin hanggang doon sa pinakadulo ng nasasakupan natin. Walang maiiiwan. Yun ang tulay na itatayo natin,” the city information officer emphasized.
Laguna PIO Lucas, on the other hand, said the new program is part of a province-wide policy of the administration of Governor Sol Aragones to improve the provincial government’s communication sector at the grassroots level, starting with the barangays.
Lucas added that the installation of the new Barangay Information Officers is also part of a new strategy of “bottom to top,” meaning that the local barangay officials will become the leaders in delivering accurate information to their constituents.
This is especially true during times of emergency, when barangay officials are expected to become “frontliners” not only in assisting residents in need but also in disseminating information that will help them make informed decisions.
“Kung ang dati, from the top to bottom, ngayon, babaguhin na natin. Gagawin natin sa inyo na magsisimula from the grassroots at kayo magiging bahagi, magiging batayan ng ating mga local leaders para magkaroon ng akmang aksyon para sa mga issue, problema at matugunan nila ang tamang sagot para sa mga hinahing ng ating mga constituents,” he explained.
(Photo courtesy of the Biñan City Information Office)
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