PIA leads communication, advocacy committee of Caraga RDC
By Jennifer P. Gaitano
PROSPERIDAD, Agusan del Sur - The Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Caraga headed by regional director Venus L. Garcia now chairs the Communication and Advocacy Committee after the members of the Regional Development Council (RDC) Caraga approved the endorsement of the RDC-Development Administration Committee (DAC) during its 144th Full Council Meeting on June 27, 2023 at the D.O. Plaza Sports Complex covered court, Government Center in Prosperidad, this province.
Gov. Nilo Demerey Jr., of the province of Dinagat Islands, also the RDC chairperson, administered the oath of Director Garcia as Special Non-Voting Member (SNVM) of the council, while Bureau of Local Government Finance (BLGF) Caraga
Regional Director Melvin Joy L. Yu was also confirmed as the co-chair of the RDC-Development Administration Committee (DAC) for the calendar year 2023-2025.
Witnessing the oath were Gov. Santiago Cane Jr., of the province of Agusan del Sur, who also gracefully hosted the meeting in his province, RDC co-chairperson Victor Emmanuel A. Ozarraga, other local chief executives, and the members of the Caraga RDC.
Being the chief information arm of the government, the PIA’s mandate is to promote awareness and communicate the region’s development directions. The Agency has been active in all other sectoral committees in the region utilizing various platforms in disseminating timely, accurate, and relevant information down to the grassroots.
In her response, Dir. Garcia accepted the chairmanship of the said committee and vowed to constantly support the RDC’s endeavors, especially in communicating the initiatives and efforts of the regional line agencies, as well as its programs and projects implemented in the different communities of the region.
“We, in the Philippine Information Agency Caraga, would like to thank the Caraga Regional Development Council for recognizing the valuable contribution of the Agency in the aspect of information dissemination about government programs, projects, and services to the Filipino public. I would emphasize that information is important and necessary to national development, hence, PIA is ready to respond to the communication needs of the council and the region in the entirety,” said Dir. Garcia.
Director Garcia also emphasized that the Agency will perform the following specific roles and responsibilities: disseminate news releases, articles, and other communication materials related to the development plan; coordinate with various media outlets to ensure wide coverage and publicity of regional development initiatives; organize press conferences, briefings, and events to share updates and progress on the plan; and monitor media coverage and respond to inquiries and requests for information.
The National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) Caraga said that the Communication and Advocacy Committee under the Caraga RDC shall be a specialized body dedicated to advocating the region’s regional development initiatives and priorities.
“The Committee shall serve as a vital link between the Caraga RDC and various stakeholders, including government agencies, local government units, civil society organizations, private sector entities, and the general public. Its primary objective shall be to ensure that accurate and timely information related to the region’s development agenda is shared, and key messages are effectively communicated to all relevant parties,” underscored assistant regional director Gemima Olam of NEDA Caraga.
It can be recalled that the NEDA facilitated the conduct of the workshop in the crafting of the Caraga Regional Development Plan 2023-2028 communication plan with the information officers of the different line agencies and copy of which was formally endorsed during the 144th Caraga RDC Full Council Meeting.
“At the heart of this communication plan lies a profound recognition that our collective strength lies not in isolation but in unity. We understand that no single entity or organization can address the complex challenges that we face. It is through forging strong partnerships that we can harness the power of synergy, where the whole is truly greater than the sum of its parts. These partnerships, both within and beyond Caraga’s borders, will serve as the cornerstone of our journey toward a resilient future,” said NEDA Caraga regional director Priscilla Sonido.
Gov. Demerey also said that "it is a call to action that implores everyone to unite, forge ahead with unwavering determination, and build a better future for generations to come."
“At the core of this communication plan beats a resounding message – that it is within our ability to shape the destiny of Caraga, to mold it into a region where dreams are realized, opportunities abound, and every individual can flourish." Gov. Demerey emphasized.
The RDC is the highest planning and policy-making body in the region. It serves as the counterpart of the NEDA Board at the sub-national level. It is the primary institution that coordinates and sets the direction of all economic and social development efforts in the region. It also serves as a venue where local efforts can be put together and integrated with theregional and national development activities. (JPG/PIA-Caraga)
