CEBU, Philippines — Following a four-year hiatus, the Regional Association of Development Information Officers in Central Visayas has conducted its convention at Bai Hotel in Mandaue City.
With a theme, “Strengthening Digital Information for Sustainable Tourism Development Towards Economic Recovery,” the three-day convention kicked off, Wednesday, June 28, with participants from five associations of public information officers (PIO) and tourism officers from Cebu, Bohol, Negros Oriental, and Siquijor provinces.
RADIO-7 president, Jesus Rey S. Cavalida, opened the event by highlighting the need to adapt the rapidly evolving digital landscape and embracing the potential of digital information.
“However, to realize the full potential of digital information for sustainable tourism development, we must work responsibly and take decisive action. It requires collective efforts for the government, the private sector and local community to embrace digital infrastructure, foster division, and build capacity,” Cavalida added.
Philippine Information Agency Director General Jose “Joe” A. Torres, Jr., in a message, emphasized the need to strengthen strategic communication practices and responsible use of artificial intelligence among public information officers and tourism officers in the age of technology.
Torres also suggested that different regional sectors and local government units (LGUs) should participate in boosting their own social media pages and websites by following and liking through their posts.
Moreover, the PIA chief also said that as government communicators, their duty is to let the public know on how to check information, recognize false news, and practice critical thinking in order to combat misinformation and foster positive digital citizenship.
“Disinformation and fake news undermine public trust and create division. We must be vigilant in debunking false narratives, collaborating with fact checking organizations and promoting media literacy to combat misinformation,” he said.
ESSENTIAL TAKEAWAYS
During the second day of the convention, speakers shared their expertise about maximizing and revitalizing digital platforms in equipping a progressive government.
Riza Marie Macalibay, Senior Tourism Officer of the Department of Tourism-7, discussed the DOT’s digitalization ambitions for the country’s tourist business.
“The digitalization of the tourism industry is essential to the growth and development of the industry as a whole,” she said.
The industry’s growth must now reach pre-pandemic levels, which is the department’s biggest challenge.
Media expert Mildred V. Galarpe shared her insights in the usage of digital platforms to their full potential to communicate government information.
Galarpe reminded the government communicators that their content should be mobile friendly emphasizing the importance of infographics and digital branding.
“Whatever content we give to our audience, it should be mobile friendly,” she said.
One of the things she mentioned that may be an excellent approach for effective digital communication is defining communication goals and objectives and creating a content strategy for digital platforms.
Moreover, Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Assistant Secretary Patricia Kayle Martin encouraged government communicators to contribute to the government’s efforts harnessing digital information.
Martin emphasizes the importance of government communicators to ensure transparency and accountability in communicating between the people it serves.
“By empowering citizens with the necessary tools to navigate the digital landscape safely, we can build a more informed and resilient society,” she said.
She also addressed the significance of utilizing digital platforms and information in determining the future of the country, considering the enormous number of social media Filipino users.
“Our goal is to make the public know that this is what the government is doing and we are doing something. Every day, we are working hard for a stronger Philippines, for a bagong Pilipinas,” she added. — (FREEMAN)