"In the age of modern technology and information, ignorance is a choice"
I have attached here the summary report of our previous trip to Davao City to attend 2018 National Information Convention last
February 19 to 21 at SMX Convention Center, SM Lanang, Davao City. It has been conceptualized with the primary aim of empowering the community both public and private sectors thru government Information Officer and private media group for information dissemination of all the government's programs and project for the people.
The minds behind NIC also hoped to start a movement where communicators model responsible sharing of information and use their platforms to inspire civic engagement. In short, No to Fake News. The activity is under the initiative of the Philippine Information Agency and allied agencies under the Presidential Communications Operations Office.
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| Selfie while waiting for take off with my office staff whom a first time flyer! Just sit back and relax!:-) |
The Day one offered the participants a deeper understanding of the government flagship program and policies and provide insights on how to foster better relations between the government and the media.
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| The only News Anchor wearing sneaker on live news TV. haha! (Photo Op) |
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| Our Grand Regal Hotel's view at night. |
Speaker from DPWH, Department of Energy, DILG and DFA discussed their upcoming programs for the enhancement of the communities. DPWH gave emphasis on connecting people through their “Build, build, build” program that aims to construct more roads and accelerate strategic infrastructure development that will reduce inequality and will pave the way for inclusive growth by 2020. Thou the presentation of the master plan and its perspective is too good to realize, at least the national government is laying down plans to mitigate the current problems on traffic and its related issue. I just hoped that the build, build, build project of the national government are also aligned to DICT's main goal of putting up an underground Fibr Optic cabling plant to better improve the country's communication facility. The Department of Energy discussed the power of an informed energy consumer with the project titled “ePower mo”. The project aims to empower energy consumer through information on energy utilization and to make Filipinos energy-smart consumers. Campaign videos on energy utilization was also shown during the discussion. Meanwhile, DILG opened the topic about federalism and its objective to activate the region’s participation in nation decision making and accelerate the economic development of the regions. The PCOO launched the Rehabinasyon program, an initiative on fight against the illegal drugs. They also emphasize the people's need for freedom of information.
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I may not be a good writer, a confident public speaker but I believed God place me where I am now to be a communicator of change for the betterment of delivering public service for the people. To all my leaders and mentors, I am forever thankful.
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| Photo Op with PCOO Secretary Martin Andanar w/ my office staff and mobile kiosk content developer, Myris. |
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| Pasalubong hoarding time at Davao pasalubong centre/market. |
The Day two provided specifics on harnessing the power of information contributing to social development, responsible use of information, and mechanisms for development communication. Governance and Social Security: Kontribusyong Sulit na Sulit by SSS discussed on how the members’ contribution is computed and encourage the participants to be part of SSS by enumerating the benefits they offers. Media personnel such as Mr. Luisito Beltran and Mr. Rey Langit were some of the speakers during the 2
nd day of the convention. I'm just fascinated to hear their voices while giving talks as it reminds me of my childhood days while my father keeps on listening to their radio programs. They discuss how to empower government communicators and how to fight and identify fake news. Mr. Beltran inspired the participants to always bring intelligence to work and have passion in everything we do. Grassroots communication by Atty. Mesa talked about what makes a successful grassroots campaign that will ease the communication between the government and the general public. Empowering communities through media and information literacy was also tackled during the event. The Duterte App was launched by Sec. Martin Andanar, a mobile application that aims to inform the public regarding the Duterte administration's plans, programs and current news. He also encourage the participants to fight fake news through media literacy. Fellowship night was also held during the 2
nd day, performance from the local artists and raffles for the participants sets the night.
Only one thing is for sure, there is no better way to solve the country's common economic problem than to educate its people and feed them with real data and information. Feedbacks and consensus solutions that will help build the nation will sure to follow in just one touch of a finger. #empoweringcommunities #nic2018
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