NAGA CITY, Camarines Sur (PIA) – The Department of Health Bicol- Center for Health Development (DOH-CHD) conducted a  speakers’ bureau training for its provincial health officers (PHOs) from Oct. 24 to 25 at Emerald Boutique Hotel, Legazpi City.

With the theme “Enhancing Public Speaking and Presentation Skills,” the activity endeavoured to capacitate designated spokespersons how to become effective medium of information between their agency and the public.

DOH-CHD Regional Director Ernie V. Vera expressed belief that communicating key messages can significantly aid the department in battling widespread misinformation and disinformation that distorts important campaigns they wish to convey to the public.

The delivery of effective communication at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic played an important role in changing the people’s perception on the importance of following the basic health protocols. The timely release of relevant information also armed the society with the knowledge  to fight the unseen enemy.  

When the government sought for the widest dissemination of the benefits of the Covid vaccine to cut the rising COVID cases, the DOH's persistence  in clearing misconceptions paved the way for increased Covid vax coverage. Their unrelenting campaign led to the achievement of herd  immunity.

“Public speaking is an acquired skill. When you present, own it with confidence.  Keep your sentences short. Keep it simple. These are the things that we need to be conscious about when we speak,” DOH CHD Assistant Regional Director Ferchito L. Avelino said. 

Sessions with the Speakers

Invited to speak during the first day was Toastmasters’ Club president Rochelle Marie Cortez-Naz. She  engaged the participants in public speaking exercise and shared  effective presentation skills.   She emphasized that one need not use high-falutin words to get their message across.

On the second day, Philippine Information Agency Camarines Sur Information Center Manager Ana-Liza S. Macatangay, discussed various topics on building good relationship between the PIOs and the media.  Points of discussion include handling the media and media interviews and what media expects from a spokesperson.

The participants executed scenarios using various communication strategies and styles in dealing with different types of audiences.

 The exercise gave them a chance to understand that in most cases,  the medium of communication  depends on the recipients or their audience.

DOH-CHD  HPCC Officer in-Charge Noemi A. Bron lauded the participants for their active participation and openness to accept new insights. She also thanked the speakers for their time and for sharing their expertise.

The two-day speaker's bureau training attendees included Dr. Monrey Mancilla, Dr. Maita Bobis, Dr. Jannish Arellano, Dr. Mildred Tianes, Dr. Rose Rempillo, Dr. Richard Garay, Dr. Joy Iraola, Dr. Gladys Escote, Dr. Lalaine Villasis, Dr. Lulu Santiago, Dr. Desiree Bricenio and DOH Comm Staff Maxinne Raneses (PIA5/Camarines Sur)