With the theme, “Spurring Development and Empowering Communities through Information,” DILG Region 2 was among the many agencies that joined the First National Information Convention held at SMX Convention Center, SM Lanang, Davao City last February 19-21, 2018.
The three-day event was attended by more than 1,600 Information Officers and Communicators from the National Government Agencies and Local Government Units nationwide. The event hoped to strengthen public and private media partnership.
The National Information Convention aimed to (1) Strengthen partnership between private and public sector communicators, with the goal of nurturing a well-informed and enlightened citizenry; (2) Encourage communicators to model effective and responsible sharing of information and use their platforms to provide information that will improve their audience’s quality of life; and (3) Organize a movement of communicators that will empower communities by inspiring civic engagement towards nation building.
The first day of the convention focused on understanding government programs and policies, fostering a safe and healthy media environment, and raising the bar of governance. On the other hand, the second day revolved on promoting responsible communication and developing a dynamic development communication strategy. The third day focused on engaging the citizenry in nation building.
Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Director General Harold E. Clavite formally opened the forum. He underscored the importance of improving the capabilities of public communicators and harnessing these capabilities to enhance their engagement with the general public, at the same time, being accountable to every information they release.
Davao City Councilor Maria Belen S. Acosta read the Welcome Message of Mayor Sara Z. Duterte on her behalf. She lauded the organizers of the convention. In her message, she said that the event marks the history in the sphere of communication. She added that the activity is an initial step towards genuine change and building a well-informed citizenry.
During the last day of the activity, Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano delivered an inspirational message. In his message, he underscored the important role of public information officers in forging a better relationship between the people and the government.
To show support and commitment in combating fake news, Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Martin Andanar led the public information officers and communicators in the reading of the Declaration of Commitment to Responsible Communication during the final day of the event.
#LGOO V Arianne Bennevic B. Batugal
