CREDIT: https://pia.gov.ph
In the heart of Bukidnon, a monumental stride in government communication training is nearing its zenith. The Government Communications Academy (GCA) of the Presidential Communications Office (PCO), located in Manolo Fortich, is on the brink of operational readiness. With its construction now 90 percent complete, the GCA stands as a testament to the government's commitment to enhancing the competencies of its information officers and communication students. This initiative, initially funded with P79 million on January 6, 2022, underscores a pivotal shift towards raising the bar for communication training in the Philippines.
The establishment of the GCA marks a significant milestone in the Philippine government's efforts to foster a more informed and empowered bureaucracy. The need for a dedicated training facility became apparent, prompting the municipal government to donate a strategically located lot near the Northern Bukidnon State College (NBSC) campus. This generous act set the stage for what would become a premier training hub, designed to equip government information officers and communications students with advanced skills in news writing, scriptwriting, broadcasting, and the production of promotional videos, among others.
The journey to completion has been a collaborative endeavor, spearheaded by Project Engineer Luke Hebron of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH)-10. On April 11, Hebron briefed Deputy Director-General for Regional Operations Adolfo Ares P. Gutierrez of the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) on the construction's progress, highlighting the need for an additional P45 million to bring the project to fruition. Despite financial hurdles, the commitment to delivering a state-of-the-art facility remains unwavering. The GCA promises to be a beacon of innovation, featuring a newsroom, TV studio, radio room, recording room, and much more, aimed at setting new standards in communication training.
The Philippine Information Agency (PIA) plays a crucial role in this transformative journey. Under the leadership of Deputy Director General Elmer Jude F. Mesina, the agency has embarked on a mission to intensify its information dissemination strategies. Mesina's vision encompasses equipping PIA employees with creativity and critical thinking skills, critical for crafting compelling messages that resonate with diverse audiences. Furthermore, the implementation of a speakers’ training program is poised to empower local officials with the tools to effectively engage with the media and their communities.
At its core, the GCA and the PIA's enhanced strategies reflect a deeper commitment to development communication. This approach transcends mere reporting, aiming to elucidate the significance of government programs, projects, and activities in improving the lives of the Filipino people and the nation as a whole. The essence of development communication is to connect with the populace on a more meaningful level, ensuring that the government's efforts are not only seen but understood and appreciated.
As the GCA nears completion and the PIA redoubles its efforts to refine its communication strategies, a new chapter in government communication is being written in Bukidnon. This initiative heralds a future where government information officers and communications students are better equipped, more engaged, and fully prepared to meet the challenges of the digital age. The synergy between the GCA and the PIA's strategic vision promises to revolutionize how government narratives are crafted and conveyed, ensuring that every Filipino is informed, empowered, and connected.
