Some 150 Information Officers (IOs) from local government units (LGUs) and government line agencies in the Caraga Region completed a two-day Mindanao Communicators Network Congress here that culminated Tuesday to promote the government’s peace gains in the region.

Facilitated by the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) and the Philippine Information Agency in the region (PIA-13), the gathering also sought the commitment of all communicators to advance the region’s tourism and culture.

“This is the first leg of the series of activities of IOs in Mindanao, which MinDA will facilitate,” PIA-13 Director Venus Garcia said in an interview on Tuesday.

She said the assembly also served as a venue for IOs to identify challenges and enabling conditions in their workplaces and the mechanisms that help them sustain the information network in their LGUs.

The gathering also revived the formation of an IO communications network in Caraga.

“Participants were also engaged in dynamic discussions and workshops to enhance their communication strategies and skills and effectively showcase Caraga’s unique attributes to a wider audience,” Garcia said.

Through effective communication, the information officers are also expected to serve as catalysts for positive change, shedding light on the region’s progress while highlighting its potential as a prime destination for tourists and culture enthusiasts alike, she added.

Gracing the event was Director Olie Dagala of MinDA’s Investment Promotions and Public Affairs, who represented MinDA chair Maria Belen Acosta at the opening of the assembly. (PNA)