The Presidential Communications Office (PCO), through the Philippine Information Agency-11 (Davao), gathered 237 barangay information officers on Monday for the inaugural assembly of the Barangay Information Officers Network (BION) in the region.

“The BIOs will not only inform and provide information but will help to eradicate the proliferation of fake news,” PIA-11 Director Rene Carbayas said.

The initiative aims to establish a more efficient flow of information between communities and local governments, as well as to align with the Local Government Code provision requiring villages to maintain an information and reading center.

Carbayas emphasized the importance of BIOs in providing timely and accurate information, especially about threats such as natural disasters.

“BIOs will ensure communities are informed, allowing them to make decisions and prepare for such calamities,” he said.

Prosperity Juab, the municipal information officer for Prosperidad and a participant in the assembly, lauded the initiative for its relevance in addressing fake news.

“This is timely since our biggest challenge today is the proliferation of fake news and everybody has open access to information. We can help our constituents verify information,” she said.

Davao de Oro Governor Dorothy Gonzaga expressed gratitude to the PCO for spearheading the initiative and commended the BIOs for stepping up to the challenge.

“Your role is very important. Giving correct information is everything and it means a lot,” Gonzaga said, adding that she plans to advocate for honorariums for BIOs.

The BION aims to serve as a vital link between local governments and residents in ensuring the dissemination of accurate and reliable information. (PNA)