ILOILO CITY (PIA) -- The Philippine Information Agency (PIA) 6 held its annual Western Visayas Information Officers’ Year-end Conference and Awards, December 28, citing the best performing information offices, offices, and agency publications.

The event, bearing the theme “Engaging Information Officers Onward to a Stronger Philippine Digital Economy,” was conducted in partnership with the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) 6 at District21 Hotel, here.

Bago City government in Negros Occidental, the Knowledge Management Unit of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) 6, the Passi City Information Office in Iloilo, and the Office of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Aklan.

Manning such offices, deserving information officers were also cited based on the criteria set by the Awards committee. They were Fire Officer 3 Vilmarie Pagunsan of the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) Antique, Imelda Franco of the Passi City government, Drexel Glen Pajarilla of the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) Negros Occidental 2, Lucy Sinay of the Iloilo City Information Office, Leizl Galan-Gatinao of the Guimaras provincial government, Joeffrey Espiritu of the Department of Health (DOH) Capiz, Liza Joyce Songcayawon of PhilHealth Antique, and Ace Balboa of Bago City Information Office.

For digital media, the top three agencies for the best Facebook page and social media infographics were also recognized.

The event was also the first face-to-face set-up since the pandemic of the over 30-year old regional tilt for information offices and officers.

The event was graced by Undersecretary Ramon Lee Cualoping, the PIA Director General, who highlighted the importance of communicating and explaining to the public the government's programs, policies and services.

Usec. Cualoping also led in the giving of trophies, certificates of recognition and medals to the awardees. (JBG/FRG/PIA6)