by Rene V. Carbayas
GENERAL SANTOS CITY – Communication and information officers from government and non-government institutions were encouraged to become innovative and more creative in gaining knowledge on information technology to effectively inform the people on government activities.
At least a hundred communication and information officers converged in General Santos City for the 9th Congress of the Mindanao Communicators Network (MCN) coming from Regions 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, and ARMM with the theme: “Strengthening Governance Communication through the New Media”.
Speaking on behalf of the City Mayor Darlene Custodio, Councilor Elizabeth B. Bagonoc stressed that “technology has altered the landscape of communication and society.”
She said that the theme truly represents the need of the time and that the information communication technology, in all aspects, has provided vast opportunities that has increased affordability and productivity, thereby accelerates socio-economic development.
Recognizing its potentials, Bagonoc said the city has maximized the use of the technology and launched several websites of the city council, including that of 26 public high schools in General Santos City, claiming it to be the first in the country. This, she said, will provide people with the opportunity to get in touch with their leaders (including that of the mayor) on-line, anytime and anywhere.
“This will help ensure transparency and accountability in making government truly responsive to the people and exercise the highest standard of governance,” she said.
Regional Director Olivia T. Sudaria of the Philippine Information Agency (PIA)-XII said that it has been some 11 years since the Mindanao Communicators Network was organized in 2000 whose membership now extends to communication officers, public relations officers, etc. from the NGOs, private sectors, and the academe.
“The goal is simply excellence in governance communication with the vision to promote excellence in governance communication among members by creating a venue for learning, initiating, and conducting of learning activities for members,” Sudaria said.
She underscored that the MCN takes the role of developing and enhancing the knowledge and skills of government information officers, needed for promoting government programs to the general public and its partners.
She said the MCN serves as the umbrella organization that synchronizes local efforts and plans to that of national efforts and programs, particularly for
Through the years, the MCN has been supportive of the national advocacy programs for peace and development, socio-economic programs, and fight against corruption, among others with the Aquino III’s administration concept of “Daang Matuwid.”
The 9th MCN Congress is held from November 28 to 30 with the election of new set of officers. (PIA9-ZBST)