Reorganizational meeting took place for more empowered BIOs
The City Government of Koronadal remains steadfast in its commitment to extend its reach to every Koronadaleño, delving deep into the grassroots level. This vision was mirrored after the City Information Office invited the designated Barangay Information Officers (BIOs) from the 27 barangays for a reorganizational meeting and orientation last February 15, 2024. The said activity aimed at empowering the BIOs with essential knowledge and tools vital for their roles within their respective barangays.
The reorganizational meeting kicked off with a welcome message by City Information Officer Romar A. Olivares, who extended his gratitude to the attendees for their participation. In his message, Olivares underscored that their roles are crucial for wider information dissemination.
The program was then followed by a lecture given by Information Officer III Caroline G. Mariano who first shared the organizational structure of the City Information Office. She then talked about the rationale behind the establishment of Barangay Information Center (BIC). Quoting the General Welfare Clause of the Local Government Code of`1991, it has been one of the mandates for barangay governments to provide basic facilities, including information and reading centers. This laid the foundation for the inception of both Barangay Information Center and Barangay Information Officers. Mariano also enumerated the roles and functions of a BIO as follows:
- He/she shall run the day-to-day activities of the center,
- Submit to a series of capacity-building training to be fully equipped for their roles,
- Provide relevant, adequate, and timely information to the local government unit, its constituents and the media,
- Maintain liaison with various sector of the community on matters that affect the livelihood and the quality of life of the inhabitants and encourage support for programs of the local and national government, and,
- In times of disasters, the BIOs serve as primary conduits for disseminating timely and accurate information to community members before, during and after disasters
Furthermore, the reorganizational meeting provided an overview of what communication is in the context of being a BIO. Information Officer I Aliah Baito discussed the communication process and the platforms that the CIO is using to disseminate information.
One of the crucial aspects done during the orientation is the election of the BIO Officers for the calendar year 2024-2025 to ensure effective decision-making within the organization. The officers are as follows:
- President – Hazel Hilado of Barangay Topland
- Vice President – Gracel Araquil of Barangay San Isidro
- Secretary – Princess Ramos of Barangay Magsaysay
- Treasurer – Rafael Borra of Barangay Rotonda
- PIO – Anthony Balasabas of Barangay G.P.S.
City Vice Mayor Erlinda P. Araquil, MDMG, DPA, led the oathtaking of the officers. Moreover, she also left the BIOs with words of encouragement. “Gawin ninyo kung ano ýong natutunan ninyo [sa seminars].. magtulungan tayo [Do what you have learned in the seminars… let us help each other],” words mouthed by the city vice mayor.
Echoing one of the objectives of this activity, City Councilor Antonio Abing reiterated the importance of BIOs’ roles in their respective barangays in spreading not just mere information but factual ones. Councilor Abing is the Committee Chairperson on Public Information, Peoples Empowerment and Participation.