SIQUIJOR, Sept. 11 (PIA) — Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Martin Andanar assured that he will help promote and strengthen government communications in Siquijor province during his visit here recently for the launching of the Provincial Communication Officers Network (PCO Net).
Sec. Andanar led the launch in Siquijor town together with other PCOO officials, Usec. Marvin Gatpayat and Asec. Ana Maria Banaag, and Provincial Vice-Governor Mei Ling Quezon and the municipal mayors and vice mayors and the Siquijor Association of Information Disseminators (SAID).
PCO Net is a network of city, provincial, and municipal public information officers throughout the country.
Andanar said PCO Net is part of the administration’s institutional reforms to strengthen communication and message delivery from Malacañang down to the grassroots level.
Hinged on the existing organizations of information officers and communicators organized by the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) in the provinces, it is envisioned to become a key communication arm of the government that will have direct access to the Office of the President through the PCOO.
Andanar said the PCOO will tap the information officers to help deliver “clear and right” information from the national government down to the municipalities, barangays, and puroks.
Reiterating the vital role of information officers nationwide, the PCOO chief commended the active members of the Siquijor Association of Information Disseminators (SAID) organized by the provincial office of the PIA here.
“By strengthening the network of information officers in the province, it would be easier for Malacañang to cascade programs and policy updates and other vital information,” Andanar said.
He also assured that PCOO will look into getting a franchise from the Philippine Broadcasting Service (PBS) for the establishment of a local radio station in the province and eventually set up a local television network for Siquijor Island.
With the local radio and TV networks in place, Andanar said the province’s promotion of local tourism and economy, best practices, and other key information will be delivered more effectively in the local communities. (rac/PIA7-Siquijor)
