Empowering BIOs: The CIO’s commitment to preparing them for their roles
Since the reorganization of the Barangay Information Center on February 15, 2024, the City Information Office (CIO) has been actively engaged in a series of capacity building initiatives, taking a significant step toward enhancing the role of Barangay Information Officers (BIOs). With a strong commitment to keeping the public informed about government services and programs, the CIO has taken on the responsibility of ensuring that the 27 BIOs are adequately prepared for their significant roles.
Recognizing the importance of massive information dissemination, the CIO has launched a series of initiatives to provide BIOs with the necessary skills and knowledge. One-on-one coaching sessions have taken place, with CIO personnel visiting each barangay to assess the existing Facebook pages and other social media platforms. This scrutiny yielded valuable insights into branding strategies and methods for increasing followers. BIOs have also received coaching in basic captioning techniques for posting Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) materials.
By continuously developing these capacity building initiatives, the CIO aims to ensure that BIOs are equipped to promptly address matters and issues that impact the livelihoods and quality of life of the grassroots community. Moreover, these efforts are geared towards rallying support for both local and national government initiatives, fostering transparency and shared responsibility among the community.
In a significant milestone, the CIO recently organized a two-day seminar on March 26-27,2024 at Sunkissed Beach Resort in Kiamba, Sarangani Province. The seminar aimed to better prepare BIOs for their roles and responsibilities. This transformative event, attended by newly appointed BIOs, covered essential journalism topics such as Basic News Writing, Broadcasting Techniques, and Social Media Management. The seminar also included a lecture on Ethical Standards in Writing for Print and Broadcast, which emphasized the importance of responsible reporting on sensitive issues such as anti-illegal drugs operation, cases involving minors and CICL, and the GAD Paralegal concept.
The seminar featured resource speakers from various local government offices, including the City Anti-illegal Drugs Council (CADAC), City Social Welfare and Development (CSWD) and City Legal Office. Their expertise and insights enriched the seminar, providing BIOs with valuable perspectives on their roles in relation to these important sectors.
The seminar not only provided BIOs with a unique opportunity to expand their knowledge and skills but also underscored the indispensable role they play in delivering vital information and services to their respective barangays. The event emphasized the significance of fostering active partnerships with the media and various sectors of the community, a cornerstone of the CIO’s operations. Through these collaborations, the CIO ensures that the government remains responsive to the public’s concerns, effectively disseminating accurate information, delivering essential social services, and spearheading critical advocacy campaigns.
Also, Mr. Romar A. Olivares, the City Information Officer, and Ms. Arnie C. Delfin, the Station Manager of 100.9 Favorite FM Radio Koronadal, shared their broadcast journalism expertise, adding to the seminar’s value. The lecture series aimed to prepare BIOs for future participation in radio programs. A memorandum of agreement was also signed to formalize a partnership with 100.9 Favorite FM Radio Koronadal, which will dedicate free broadcast airtime on Saturdays to broadcasting barangay news.
Furthermore, the BIOs began their orientation and station hopping in batches in preparation for the upcoming radio program. The platform will provide BIOs with the opportunity to showcase their barangay’s programs, projects, and activities, as well as their best practices, on a broadcast platform.
The seminar also served as an opportunity to recognize the outstanding performance of SK Chairperson Anthony O. Balasabas Jr., the BIO of Barangay General Paulino Santos, who was named the Best BIO for the first quarter of 2024. This recognition recognizes Mr. Balasabas’ exceptional enthusiasm as information gatekeeper since the reorganization of the Barangay Information Center across all 27 barangays. Such honors motivate BIOs to actively carry out their assigned roles and responsibilities.
The establishment of Barangay Information Centers, made possible through Executive Order No. 20 Series of 2020, has strengthened the institutional links between the government and the grassroots.
The CIO emphasizes the importance of fair compensation by recognizing the significant time and effort BIOs put into their duties, which include gathering data and news, documenting events, posting on social media, and maintaining the barangay’s information channels. Furthermore, the CIO is currently proposing an ordinance to grant honorariums, which are small sums of money to compensate their efforts.
The City Information Office’s dedication to empowering Barangay Information Officers through comprehensive training and capacity-building initiatives demonstrates its commitment to community engagement. By preparing BIOs for their crucial roles, the CIO fosters a more informed and connected society, ultimately improving grassroots public service delivery.