NAVAL, Biliran (PIA) – The government information officers in the Province of Biliran, who were gathered in a virtual meeting recently, have identified several capability building needs to improve their functions and roles as public communicators.

Part of the training needs identified were on basic journalism, video editing, basic captioning, news writing basics, social media promotions, social media postings, introduction to adobe photoshop, basic graphic design using Canva application, and production of infographics.

The identification of training needs is one of the agenda in the virtual meeting aside from the presentation of the communication flow in information dissemination through posting and sharing using the Biliran Communicators Network (BilComNet) template, the role of an information officer, and the use of social media platforms in information dissemination.

For her part, Ms. Venus Garcia, the new regional head of the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) in Region 8, talked briefly on the background and functions of PIA as the government’s communication arm.

She also gave an initial view of the thrusts of PIA 8 under her leadership.

In a separate meeting with some members of the Biliran private media on January 21, availment of the TUPAD or Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers program of the Department of Labor and Employment was discussed.

Other matters discussed include the COMELEC media accreditation requirements, use of the available media platforms in information dissemination, conduct of candidates’ forum in selected towns of the province, and the plan to initiate the conduct of the 'Biliran Meet the Press' interview platform. (NBQ/RSV/PIA Biliran)