QUEZON CITY (PIA) – “We go beyond informing people, we Explain, Explain, Explain the policies the policies and programs of our government in all aspects so that every Filipino may have a greater understanding of what is happening in our nation,”

This is how Director-General Ramon Lee-Cualoping III explains the mandate of the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) as government communicators through an Institutional briefing to the delegation from the National Defense College of the United Arab Emirates (NDC-UAE).

PIA was tapped by the National Defense College of the Philippines (NDCP) to be part of NDC-UAE’s field study visit to the Philippines by sharing the agency’s best practices and strategies in communication dissemination.

In her opening remarks, Deputy Director-General for Regional Operations and Unified Messaging Katherine S. De Castro mentions the importance of PIA’s role in providing timely, accurate, and valuable information to the Filipino especially during times of crisis and conflict.

For his part, DG Cualoping shares the efforts of the agency to eliminate the spread of fake news and misinformation through various programs designed to target a diverse audience from all parts of the nation.

He adds that part of the agency’s work is to protect national security including the fight against insurgency and terrorism by explaining the programs and policies of the government.

“That they may enjoy, feel, and see the benefits of these programs and that they are encouraged to become better decision makers who actively participate in the democratic processes of our Republic."

Moreover, Acting Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean of Students at the National Defense College of the Philippines Dr. Alan Ada Lachica acknowledges the relevance and timeliness of the Institutional briefing saying that national security threat today is more evident across the cyberspace.

“This briefing was an opportunity… to gather information that will serve as basis for the formulation and recommendations of policies and strategies on international security and development," he adds.

Presidential Communications Office Assistant Secretary Francisco P. Rodriguez III says the interaction will kickstart the future collaborations between the Philippines and the UAE.

Lastly, DG Cualoping looks forward in modernizing the agency’s way of disseminating information as part of the plans on digital transformation of Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos. He also mentions the continuous welcoming of partnerships with local and international institutions as well as more developed nations like the UAE for exchange of related strategies and best practices. (MVV, PIA-CPSD)