Recognizing the primordial role of information officers in promoting government programs, policies and activities, the DILG V conducted the Media and Communication Planning Exercise (MCE) for information officers of local government units in Bicol together with their counterpart in the DILG regional and provincial offices under the Strengthening of Local Governments in the Philippines (SLGP) project.

The training which was held at Macagang Business Center, Nabua, Camarines Sur on January 17-18, 2012 aimed at establishing and institutionalizing information and coordination networking between and among the local government units and the DILG.

In his welcome message, Director Blandino Maceda focused on the importance of communication as a tool in promoting transparency and accountability and the need for it to be institutionalized. He expounded on this aspect during his comprehensive discussion on administrative and developmental communication in governance, putting emphasis on the importance of communication as component of local governance. Director Maceda also discussed exhaustively the flagship programs of the Department for better understanding and appreciation by the information officers.

Dr. Jose Reuben Alagaran III, a consultant from the Asian Institute of Journalism and Communication and head of the Department of Communication of Miriam College trained the participants on the process of preparing a Communication Plan, specifically on its components such as identification of communication problem, formulation of communication objectives and core message for each program and identifying appropriate communication strategies to use, taking into consideration the source and the communication channel and monitoring and evaluation. Thereafter, the participants formulated their respective communication plan for the customized programs of the LGU including the programs of the DILG.

As an initial step in establishing the networking system, a yahoo group was created for LGU and DILG information officers that will be the venue for exchange of information. Director Maceda expressed full support to all the information officers of the LGUs and made an assurance that he will issue the corresponding Regional Memorandum Circular to all local chief executives to strengthen public information at the local level. In response to Director Maceda’s call for a synchronized effort by the LGU information officers and the DILG, the participants organized the Bicol Information and Communicator’s League (BICOL) and elect an interim set of officers. –(Planning Officer III. Grace Joy U. Tango)

Bicol Information and Communicator’s League (BICOL)  Officers

President :        Allen Reondaga (Naga City)

Executive Vice President  :        Jojo Cortes (Masbate City)

Vice President:

Albay                         –        Noel Ordona (Pio Duran)

Camarines Norte     –        Antonio Teope (Mercedes)

Camarines Sur         –        Daniel Abalayan (Calabanga)

Catanduanes            _        Gilbert Yuga (Caramoran)

Masbate                    –       Nelson Padera (Cataingan)

Sorsogon                  –        Annie Perete (Pilar)

Secretary :    LGOO V Kathleen Baroma (DILG)

Treasurer :    Frank Penones (Iriga City)

Auditor  :    Ely Dolot (Legazpi City)

P.I.O :     Maria Grace Joy Tango (DILG V)

Bus.Mgrs.:

1. Paul Guysayko (Juban, Sorsogon)

2. Ralph Carranza (Magallanes, Sorsogon