CALAMBA CITY, Laguna (PIA) -- The Philippine Information Agency (PIA) IV-A has formally launched its grassroots communications program, which aims to communicate the various programs and services of the government directly to the barangays and members of different sectors and organizations.
 
Entitled ‘Bagong Calabarzon Barangay Forum’, it is in line with the Bagong Pilipinas campaign of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., which serves as the national government’s branding and communications strategy.
 
During the inaugural program held in Barangay Palingon, Calamba City, Laguna on February 29, PIA Calabarzon Deputy Regional Head Fredmoore Cavan said that the forum intends to get the suggestions, views, and attitudes of different sectors towards the national government, which the PIA conveys to appropriate government agencies.
 
“Bagong Calabarzon Barangay Forum aims to inform and explain the programs, projects and also the services of the national and local governments as we take the path towards the Bagong Pilipinas” Cavan said in his message.
 
The Laguna Lake Development Authority (LLDA) served as the first special guest of the forum, wherein they presented the agency’s projects and initiatives aimed at the development of fisherfolk communities around Laguna de Bay and the conservation efforts being done for the largest freshwater lake in the country.
 
Fisherfolks from 10 lakeshore barangays in Calamba City were also invited to witness the program and inquire about LLDA's services for their sector.
 
Catherine Buena, LLDA’s Department Manager III for Management Services Department extended the agency’s gratitude to PIA CALABARZON for its initiative to conduct a barangay forum.
 
“This PIA project is really good for LLDA to share our programs and projects. This is our chance to inform the public about the numerous projects we are working on that our barangay colleagues under Laguna Lake Development Authority are currently unaware of,” she said.

Among the recent programs mentioned by the LLDA is the 100-hectare floating solar farm to be installed in Barangay Looc in Calamba City which will provide energy to surrounding communities as the country faces pressure to transition away from fossil fuels, after they have concluded that it will have little to no significant effect on the lake. 
 
Barangay Lingga Fisheries and Aquatic Resource Management Council (FARMC) Chairman Nexter Talatala expressed appreciation for the initiative, which enabled them to engage with decision-makers and share their perspectives on important issues affecting their livelihood, fostering meaningful dialogue and driving positive change at the local level.
 
Talatala also pledged his support to the initiatives of the national and local government for the fishing industry.
 
“To the Philippine Information Agency, thank you for your support and care for the fishermen. Thank you for your continuous support to us. On behalf of FARMC, we thank you and will continue to support all the programs that LLDA will carry out” he said.

The city government of Calamba, through the office of the City Mayor and City Agricultural Services Department, and the office of Calamba City Lone District Representative Charisse Anne Hernandez-Alcantara, were also present at the event to obtain issues that may be used in formulating local programs for the fisheries sector.
 
Ryan Ercia, representative of Calamba City mayor Roseller Rizal highlights the importance of organizing the forum. 
 
“This forum is a good avenue for the fishermen so that they will know the appropriate answers to their questions, especially the fishing sector, that is why the Philippine Information Agency is bringing this program to the barangay level,” Ercia said.
 
The Bagong Calabarzon Barangay Forum will be rolled-out in all five provinces in Calabarzon in a bimonthly manner, with the intent of discussing timely and relevant local issues that need meaningful dialogue, dismissing disinformation, and formulating positive change and eventual solutions from concerned government agencies. (AM,CH/PIA-4A)