More than 300 barangay information officers and secretaries from across Catanduanes were urged last week to take a greater role in bringing relevant information to their respective communities.
During the 1st Barangay Information Officers Network (BiON) Summit 2025 at the Capitol Dome last Aug. 20, 2025, Governor Patrick Alain T. Azanza emphasized the importance of correct and true information, adding that the network would be play a big part in the government’s promotion of the interests and progress of society while delivering basic services to the people.
Also present during the event were Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Deputy Director General Katherine Chloe de Castro, PIA Bicol Regional Director Ramil Marianito and Assistant Regional Director Ana-Liza Macatangay, and PIA Catanduanes chief Edna A. Bagadiong.
The participants engaged in a discussion on Media and Information Literacy, relevant laws and regulations, and the three types of information pollution.
DG De Casto shared her views on the responsible use of modern technology, clarifying that there is nothing wrong in using modern technology as long as it is utilized for a correct and relevant purpose and not for deception or to spread false information.
Representatives from other government agencies like the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), Department of Tourism (DOT), at Social Security System (SSS) focused on their respective programs and processes while the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), through Provincial Director Uldarico Razal Jr. and Cluster Head William Aldez, provided an orientation on DILG Memorandum Circular No. 2017-168.
On the other hand, the president of the Catanduanes Government Communicators Network (CCGN), Anjo Evangelista, vowed support for the BiON’s advocacy and the strengthening of the coordination between information officers in the province.
The event also included the election and oathtaking of officers of BiON Catanduanes, which will be PIA’s partner in boosting the delivery of information and communication at the barangay level.
The BiON Summit 2025 is part of the program of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s administration aimed at reinforcing the orderly, correct and effective information delivery regarding government programs and projects to all Filipinos.