PR practitioners offer free services to GMA

Amid talk of destabilization plots and the people’s growing disenchantment with the government, a major public relations organization yesterday offered its services for free to President Arroyo and expressed support for her development programs.

Officers of the Public Relations Society of the Philippines (PRSP) paid a courtesy call on the President at Malacañang and presented her with its "Declaration of Support for Building the Domestic and International Image of the Government’s Development Initiatives."

"PRSP declares and throws its support to the country’s bid to improve its domestic and international image to inspire confidence in its economic, social and political endeavors," the declaration read.

"The PRSP makes its resources available, its organizational machinery, its collective talent and its international networks so the country’s public relations goals are achieved," it added.

Press Secretary Ignacio Bunye was quick to deny insinuations that the PR assistance was solicited by Malacañang and was an indictment of his office’s failure to improve the image of the Arroyo administration and communicate to the people its achievements.

"These statements are voluntary and this is very welcome. We need the support of all sectors. Let’s all pool together (our efforts), so that we can move this country forward," Bunye said.

He denied the Arroyo administration had an image problem, but admitted many of the government’s efforts and achievements are not being communicated to the people.

Asked whether he considers his office a failure in publicizing the President’s accomplishments, he said: "This is a continuing effort and we are committed to do our work, not only for the President, but for the entire administration."

PRSP president Ma. Amylyn Sison De Quiros affirmed it was their group that sought an audience with Mrs. Arroyo and not the other way around.

She said so much could be done to improve the image of the Philippines and its government.

"You may not believe it, but it’s the truth. We’re doing this for the country," De Quiros said. "We don’t deny that there’s disenchantment but we don’t have to glorify any president or government to remedy our problems. People are suffering and as communicators, PR practitioners, we should do our part."

She said the PRSP wants to make the industry relevant to the development of the Philippines, which is hampered by a negative image abroad.

De Quiros said the government must work harder for the people, stressing that a successful PR campaign is "90-percent performance and 10 percent telling the people about it."

Her advice: "It’s about time for government officials to stop paying lip service to the people, and just (fulfill) their responsibilities as public servants."