Imagine a large, bustling family reunion, but instead of distant relatives, it’s a powerful gathering of folks dedicated to making sure everyone in Eastern Samar knows what’s happening. That’s essentially what unfolded at the Provincial Capitol in Borongan City recently. It wasn’t just any meeting; it was a recommitment ceremony, a pledge from all the government information officers, journalists, and communicators – the unsung heroes who bridge the gap between official decisions and everyday lives – to speak the truth, and to do it quickly and responsibly. This isn’t a small feat in today’s world, where rumors can spread like wildfire online. This important gathering, orchestrated by the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) in Eastern Samar and the provincial government, was all about strengthening the bonds between these vital communicators. It was about making sure that whether you’re hearing news from a national agency, your local town hall, or a media outlet, everyone is singing from the same hymn sheet, working together to keep the public informed and engaged.
One of the most exciting parts of this “family gathering” was the election of new leaders for the Association of Government Information Officers (AGIO) Eastern Samar. Think of it like choosing the new family head, someone to guide everyone forward. And the community chose none other than Penelope Pomida from Radyo Pilipinas Borongan to lead the charge. She’s a familiar voice to many, someone dedicated to getting the stories out. Flanking her in leadership are Mel Colongan from the DepEd Borongan City Division as vice president, Marissa Bormate from LGU-Llorente as secretary, and Amanthea A. Dala from LGU-Borongan as treasurer. The board of directors is a diverse and talented group, including Eden Cidro of Este News, Gwen Ponferrada of DTI, Rocajane Salac of the PGO Media team, PMaj Aldwin Ballette of the Eastern Samar Police Provincial Office, and Judith Aboy of DOLE. This diverse team represents the many facets of public communication in the province, a true reflection of the community they serve.
Penelope, stepping into her new role with grace and determination, immediately set the tone with an inspiring message. She didn’t just rattle off an agenda; she spoke from the heart, urging her fellow communicators to deepen their collaboration, uphold their integrity, and truly embody their commitment as public servants and frontline information providers. She put it beautifully, reminding everyone that “communication is not only about delivering information, but also about building trust, strengthening partnerships, and serving our communities with integrity and compassion.” It’s a powerful sentiment, a reminder that their work isn’t just about facts and figures, but about the human connection. She also took a moment to express gratitude to everyone who showed up, acknowledging the inspiring presence of PIA-8 Regional Head Reyan Arinto, whose wisdom, she said, truly motivated them to strengthen their role in public service. With this new mantle of leadership, Penelope vowed to continue uniting information officers across the province, championing truthful, timely, and responsible communication – all in the name of good governance and efficient public service that genuinely reaches the people who need it most.
Enter Reyan Arinto, the regional head, who delivered a powerful call to action, framing the role of government communicators and media practitioners as absolutely crucial in this day and age. He painted a picture of a world inundated with information, where the lines between truth and falsehood are often blurred. He highlighted the growing challenges of misinformation (when false info is shared by accident), disinformation (when it’s spread on purpose to deceive), and mal-information (when truthful info is used in a harmful way). In this complex landscape, he emphasized, “The role of communicators today goes beyond simply sharing information. We are partners in nation-building. We help connect government programs to the people, amplify the voices of communities, promote transparency, and strengthen public confidence in our institutions.” It’s a reminder that these communicators aren’t just messengers; they are architects of trust, cultivators of connection, and essential pillars in building a thriving society. He also took the opportunity to thank Governor Ralph Vincent Evardone and the Provincial Government of Eastern Samar for their unwavering support of PIA, acknowledging the groundwork laid during the previous administration of Governor Ben Evardone, particularly in providing a home for PIA Eastern Samar in the old Capitol Building.
Arinto further elaborated on the vital function of the Communicators Network, describing it as an indispensable platform for fostering collaboration, coordination, and unified messaging among all the government agencies and media professionals in Eastern Samar. He stressed its importance, especially in their ongoing battle against the tide of false and misleading information that often floods online spaces. He broke down the concepts of information pollution into relatable terms, helping everyone understand the nuances between unintentional sharing of false information (misinformation), the deliberate spreading of lies (disinformation), and the weaponization of truth to cause harm (mal-information). It’s like understanding the different ways a family gossip can spread, each with its own level of intent and potential for damage. This understanding is critical for communicators to effectively navigate the digital landscape and ensure that the public receives credible, helpful information.
Finally, we heard from Samuel Candido, the Information Center Manager of PIA Eastern Samar, who brought a truly heartwarming perspective to the discussion. In a world increasingly dominated by technology and digital screens, he underscored the irreplaceable value of human connection in communication. He spoke about how fast information travels now, how “the way we speak, listen, share, and understand one another has transformed completely.” But amidst this rapid change, he emphasized that this event was designed to help them navigate it, to ensure that technology serves humanity, not the other way around. He beautifully articulated that “Whether through digital media, effective storytelling, or the technology that brings us together, communication remains the key to connection, service, and success.” Candido, who is soon to retire after an incredible 38 years of dedicated service to the Philippine Information Agency, left a poignant message. He reminded everyone that effective public information work, at its core, still requires “warm physical bodies, passionate hearts, and willing hands” – individuals rooted in trust, understanding, and a genuine desire to serve their communities. As the meeting drew to a close, there was a palpable sense of renewed commitment – a shared vow among all the information officers and media partners to uphold integrity, transparency, and responsible communication, ensuring that the people of Eastern Samar are always well-informed and well-served. It was truly a gathering that celebrated both the power of information and the enduring spirit of human connection.