In today's modern world, accessibility to information and services through the internet or digital devices is the norm. Unfortunately, there are still several remote communities without access to these technologies.

The Barangay Information Officers Network (BION) of Isabela City de Basilan, along with the city government, Philippine Information Agency and other stakeholders, have taken it upon themselves to connect with these communities and provide them with the services and information that they need.

The Barangay Information Officers Network (BION) of Isabela City de Basilan, along with the city government, Philippine Information Agency and other stakeholders, spearheaded the information caravan in Barangay Masola to provide access to government services and information that they need.

The initiative's success was showcased through the recent outreach program in Barangay Masola, the farthest barangay from the city proper. The community, home to more than 1,000 families, has longed for basic government services and access to information that is readily available in urban areas. The Barangay Information Officers, with the help of other stakeholders, brought these services and information to their doorstep.

The initiative started with free medical and dental check-ups from the City Health Office. Each resident was screened for health concerns, and necessary treatments and medicines were provided. Off-site referrals were also given to those requiring further medical attention, with vital details provided on where and how to avail of these services in the city.

The doctors and other medical staff of isabela City Health Office provided free medical and dental check-ups and medicines to the residents of Barangay Masola.

Along with medical services, the community received free haircuts from the personnel of Isabela City Police Station and PNP Special Action Force (SAF) who also  joined the program.  

The DXNO Radyo Komunidad, a local radio station, also distributed hygiene kits like alcohol to some residents.

Additionally, fifty children were provided with school supplies by the city government, enhancing their access to quality education and offering them a more promising future

In addition to these direct services, flyers and handouts were given to the community members to keep them informed about various government programs and policies. 

Given the poor internet signal in the area and the reliance on radio broadcasts to keep residents informed about local, regional, and national news, the City Information Office, under the leadership of City Information Officer Mendry Ann Lim, distributed transistor radios to the residents. They also introduced the City Mobile Library as part of their efforts.

Other freebies like rice for senior citizens, hygiene kits and slippers for children and breastfeeding kits for lactating mothers were also provided.

The initiative of the Barangay Information Officers, together with local government officials and stakeholders, has shown that no community should be left behind, and all must be connected to services and information that can positively change their lives. Although the stakeholders had to travel around 53 kilometers from the city proper to reach Masola, a community near Sampinit in Sumisip town and previously known as ASG hideout, the distance did not stop them from serving their fellow Isabeleños.

The Barangay Information Officers Network (BION) of Isabela City de Basilan has proven that accessibility to information and services is not only a norm for urban areas but should be readily available for all communities, regardless of their location. In this particular outreach program, where rural communities felt the impact of the stakeholders' efforts, one can say that the initiative of the BION is destined to reach more remote communities in the region. (KSA/RVC/NDR/PIA9-Basilan)