PIA Director-General Joe Torres attends the 24th Meeting of the ASEAN-COCI Sub-Committee on Information (24th SCI) in Brunei Darussalam, which saw the attendance of delegates from ASEAN member states physically, as well as virtually, from August 8 to 9. (Contributed photo).
MANILA, (PIA) -- Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Director-General Joe Torres, Jr. will lead this year’s Philippine delegation of public information experts to the 20th ASEAN Senior Officials Meeting Responsible for Information (SOMRI) and Related Meetings from September 19-23 in Da Nang City, Vietnam.
“With a keen emphasis on countering disinformation, driving forward the digital transformation of media, and nurturing collaboration among member states, this event promises to chart a path not only for the Philippines, but towards a more informed and connected Association of Southeast Asian Nations,” Torres said.
Together, ASEAN SOMRI members will push to confront the challenges posed by disinformation, advance the cause of digital transformation within media, and foster a spirit of unity and cooperation among member states.
“This meeting stands as a cornerstone in the calendar of regional leaders and experts and would provide an invaluable platform for discussions and deliberations on issues of utmost significance to the ASEAN community,” he added.
Torres, renowned for his unwavering commitment to the responsible and accurate dissemination of information, is set to play a pivotal role throughout the event. His active participation in dialogues and discussions is poised to elevate the profile of the Philippine delegation.
The PIA chief will be joined by lawyer Tadeo Culla, Assistant Director General for Organizational Development and International Affairs of PIA, Ann Lorraine Macadaeg, focal person for ASEAN and head of Planning and Communication Research Division, Bradley De Leon, head of Creative and Production Services Division, Emver Cortez, head of PIA National Capital Region Office, Lyza Maria Viejo, Director of ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community Division of the Department of Foreign Affairs.
The Philippine delegation, as part of the regional collective, is primed to make substantial contributions towards the overarching theme of the meeting, “Media: From Information to Knowledge for a Resilient and Responsible ASEAN.”
Torres said the PIA eagerly anticipates engaging with fellow ASEAN member states and dialogue partners in this crucial endeavor.
“As the agency responsible for disseminating timely, accurate, and relevant information to the Filipino public, the PIA is steadfast in its commitment to promoting transparency, accountability, and responsible communication from the government to our communities and the other way around,” he said. (PIA-NCR)
