PIA opens information kiosk at Clark airport

CLARK FREEPORT— The Philippine Information Agency (PIA) launched on Tuesday its Information Kiosk inside Clark International Airport.

“This seeks to provide useful information on the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), the Philippines, Central Luzon, Pampanga, and government services to Overseas Filipino Workers, and local and foreign tourists. This is part of hyping Clark’s hosting of the centerpiece 31st ASEAN Summit and related meetings come November 2017,” PIA Regional Director William Beltran said.

“The kiosk contains materials on ASEAN history, community pillars, and goals of the Philippine Chairmanship,” Beltran furthered.

It also has Information, Education, and Communication materials from other national government agencies and local government units.

“It is important for us [in PIA] for each citizen to be aware of and to be informed on the different opportunities and benefits that the ASEAN community can offer to its people,” PIA Deputy Director General Gregorio Angelo Villar said during the launch pr ogr am.

Based on statistics, only 29 percent of the ASEAN population is aware of the impact brought about by the ASEAN.

“Ano ba ang impact nito [ASEAN] sa mga mangingisda natin sa Zambales? Anong impact nito sa ating culinary sector dito sa Central Luzon? Ano ang impact nito sa iba’t ibang mga karaniwang mamamayang Pilipino? ‘Yan ang gustong i-address ng aming ahensya (What is its [ASEAN] impact on the fisherfolks of Zambales? What is its impact on the culinary sector of Central Luzon? What is its impact on the various Filipino citizens? That is what our agency aims to address),” Villar st r essed .

The Deputy Director General also explained that in ASEAN, there are 200 world companies belonging in it, with 8.8 percent of the world’s population, while also having a Gross Domestic Product of US$2.5 trillion combined.

“Because of these essential statistics, it is very important [for us] to also communicate with our partners from the different national government agencies and, also, our partners from the media to help us, not only in partnering for change, but also in partnering in communicating the change that we want for our country,”he emphasi zed.

Considered a strategic location, Villar said Clark International Airport was most fitting for the kiosk because of its accessibility.

“We all know the crucial role of Clark International Airport when it comes to accessibility in the country being the priority next to the Ninoy Aquino International Airport when it comes to international airports. It is essential for us to utilize this strategic area when it comes to communicating the programs, projects and services of the government to the people,” he furthered.— Jean Ricelle A. Aquino/ PIA-3