The provincial government of Misamis Oriental and the city government here expressed support for the empowerment of barangay (village) information officers (BIOs) to enhance the dissemination of accurate information about government programs and services.

During Thursday’s Bagong Pilipinas Barangay Information Officers Network (BION) event, Misamis Oriental Information Office Consultant Roy Waga underscored the critical role of BIOs in promoting government initiatives, including the province’s single-digit poverty incidence plan.

“Our BIOs are crucial in bridging the gap between the government and our communities, ensuring that vital information reaches every corner of our province,” Waga said, reiterating Governor Peter Unabia’s message.

City Administrator Roy Hilario Raagas also highlighted the importance of BION in linking local communities with the national government to ensure timely and relevant communication.

Approximately 400 BIOs from Cagayan de Oro and Misamis Oriental attended the event, which was organized by the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) through the Philippine Information Agency (PIA).

PCO Assistant Secretary for Cultural Affairs and International Engagements Rowena Hidalgo-Otida emphasized the network’s role in fostering communication and community involvement under President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s administration.

“It [the Bagong Pilipinas brand of governance] is about trusting the government for leadership while also accepting the citizen’s role in the program. It is setting excellence as the goal in personal, community, and national life,” Hidalgo-Otida said.

The Philippine News Agency and Radyo Pilipinas supported the event by participating in the gathering. (PNA)