KIDAPAWAN CITY, North Cotabato (PIA)—Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Martin Andanar emphasized that one way of reaching the Filipinos this time of pandemic is the partnership of government media and the Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas (KBP).

During his live interview on the News and Current Affairs Program of the DxCM 1089AM hosted by Jaime Sta. Cruz,  Andanar noted that through the help of KBP member stations all over the country, the Laging Handa Programs of PCOO are broadcasted simultaneously to more than one channel.

With this, the communications secretary expressed gratitude to KBP as well as to other media partners in the endeavor to increase people’s awareness on the efforts of the government, particularly in battling the threat of the coronavirus disease 2019. Andanar also underscored the help of Cignal and Sky televisions in replaying government programs in their channels.

Aside from partnering with the KBP, Andanar stated that the PCOO also maximizes and strengthens the use of social media platforms of government communication agencies to ensure that the public is provided with relevant, timely, and accurate information.

Through the help of Facebook pages of government communication agencies to include People’s Television Network (PTV), Radio Television Malacañang (RTVM), Philippine Information Agency (PIA), Philippine News Agency (PNA), Philippine Broadcasting Service (PBS), among others, over eight million citizens in the country are empowered by providing them their information needs.

Meanwhile, Andanar highlighted the importance of the Laging Handa Programs in line with the National Emergency Communications Policy, in the delivery of information amid the different quarantine restrictions in the country.

“Ito pong Laging Handa, mayroon po tayong integrated news team. Meaning, pinagsama natin ang lahat ng platforms of the government halimbawa PIA, PNA, PTV, Radyo Pilipinas, IBC, RTVM, PCOO, lahat po,” the communications secretary said adding that these government communication agencies have only one direction and that is to strengthen responsible information dissemination. Under the Laging Handa Programs, efforts of different government agencies and local government units in addressing concerns this time of pandemic.

Amid these communication strategies, the official said, the PCOO continues to find ways to further strengthen the effectiveness and efficiency of government communication.