QUEZON CITY (PIA) – Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Director-General Jose A. Torres Jr. acknowledged the crucial role of the Bangsamoro Information Office (BOI) in promoting effective communication and information dissemination in Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) during the benchmarking activity with BOI delegates in PIA Conference Room, June 23.

PIA Chief commended BOI’s commitment to providing accurate, relevant, and timely information to the Filipino public in the fight against misinformation and disinformation.

“In today's fast-paced world, the importance of accurate and timely information cannot be overstated. As government communicators, we have a vital role in ensuring that our citizens are well-informed and equipped with accurate and timely information,” DG Torres said.

He added that the PIA is committed to supporting the BOI in its communication endeavors aimed at promoting the programs and projects of the Marcos administration.

“Our partnership with the Bangsamoro Information Office holds great potential for mutually beneficial collaborations. Together, we can explore various avenues to amplify our impact and promote inclusive and accurate information dissemination,” he shared.

Meanwhile, BIO Executive Director Ameen Andrew L. Alonto expressed the organization's vision to empower the Bangsamoro communities through information, stating that they firmly believe the PIA, with its long-standing existence since 1986, can provide valuable assistance in achieving this goal.

“The reason for our benchmarking is that we see the Philippine Information Agency as the closest office that we can relate to in terms of mandate and objectives,” he said.

As the center of information and the communication arm of the Bangsamoro government, Alonto is looking forward to a meaningful discussion and engagement with PIA to develop effective solutions for the various communication and information challenges confronting the BARMM.

“What’s more dangerous than being uninformed is being misinformed or disinformed and that’s what’s happening right now with the advent of technology where the flow of communication and information can be so fast and misinformation and disinformation can spread like wildfire,” he expressed.

In coordination with the Presidential Communications Office (PCO), the said benchmarking activity initiative seeks to equip BOI delegates with valuable knowledge and experience regarding the operations of PIA and PCO. This includes media accreditation policy, the conduct of press conferences and briefings, partnerships, and engagements with attached offices, and potential capacity development and skills enhancement support. (EEDC/PIA-CPSD)