Dialogue clears air with PIOs
Central Visayas information officers were thankful for yesterday’s forum at the Marcelo B. Fernan Press Center in Sudlon, Lahug, Cebu City.
It was the first ever gathering between them and Cebu media members, which was part of the Press Freedom Week celebration.
Association of Government Information Officers Central Visayas President Eddie Llamedo said it was a “healthy exercise”.
He said they learned the right things they need to do, especially in preparing press releases for the media.
“It’s a healthy exercise (on the) sa part namong mga information officers kay kahibalo na mi unsa gyud among buhaton (because we now know what to do exactly). This is also one way of strengthening partnership with the media,” Llamedo said.
“Kay kung wala pod ang (Because without the) media, dili pod (we cannot) widely spread ang among mga (the) information and advisories sa matag (of every) government agency dinhi sa (here in) Central Visayas,” he added.
He said some issues and concerns they have were also addressed during the “Dialogue between Government Information Officers and Media: Strengthening Partnership for an Empowered Community” forum.
He cited “off the record” matters, appreciating press and news releases, anonymity, ambush interviews, handling controversial issues.
The media panelists who answered the information officers’ questions were Linette Ramos of Sun.Star Cebu, Doris Bongcac of Cebu Daily News, The FREEMAN’s Assignments Editor Fred Languido representing radio dyLA, and Titus Borromeo of TV5. DyLA Station Manager Jun Tagalog served as moderator.
For “off the record” matters, the information officers were advised to tell the reporter ahead if what they would reveal is “off the record” or not. They were also encouraged not to be afraid to share information to the media.
Also, Regional Association of Development Information Officers-7 and Cebu Association of City and Municipal Public Information Officers-7 President Carlo Dugaduga said relationship between Cebu media and public information officers (PIOs) are getting stronger now.
“We the PIOs and IOs in Central Visayas are very much willing to partner with the media as long as we meet halfway. Nagkaanam gyud og kalig-on ang relasyon sa mga (Relationship is slowly building up between) PIOs ug sa (and the) media,” said Dugaduga.
He said the media has to help capacitate information officers as there are those designated by their respective government agencies who have no formal training in mass communication.
Llamedo said they are also planning to have another forum with the media and information officers with the regional directors of government agencies.
More than 50 information officers, along with mass communication students from different Cebu universities, and members of the media, attended the forum.—