NEGROS OCCIDENTAL (PIA)-- The City of Victorias has officially institutionalized the designation of Barangay Information Officers (BIOs) in all of its 26 barangays, making it the second local government unit in the province to do so.

Cheryl Amor, regional head of the Philippine Information Agency, led the formal installation of the newly appointed BIOs following an orientation from both the Philippine Information Agency and the Department of the Interior and Local Government at the Victorias City SK Pavilion.

Amor inspired a sense of patriotism among the BIOs, revealing that their new position would not come with additional pay.

However, it allows them to serve the people utilizing their other skills and expertise as she encouraged them to fulfill their duties as BIOs, focusing on relevance, timeliness, and accuracy.

Stephanie Almira, city director of the DILG-Victorias City, laid the foundation for the institutionalization of the BIOs in a memorandum circular no. 2017-15, which supports the implementation of the position.

Almira outlined the functions of the BIOs, which include providing accurate, timely, and relevant information on government programs and activities to the community, carrying out frontline information activities during disasters, preparing press releases, and ensuring information is safe, secure, and easily accessible.

Amor also inducted into office Bago City’s BIOs - the first LGU in the province to have information officers at the barangay level. (AAL/Lljr/PIA 6 Negros Occidental)