Biñan City trains first batch of Barangay Information Officers to Boost Grassroots Communication

In a groundbreaking move to enhance grassroots communication, Biñan City has officially launched its first-ever Barangay Information Officers (BIOs) Training Program at the Biñan People’s Center. The initiative aims to equip all 24 barangays with trained communicators to ensure timely, accurate, and responsible information sharing within their communities.

City Information Officer Roman Carencia emphasized the crucial role of the BIOs in bridging local communities and government.

“Isiguro natin na ang tamang impormasyon sa tamang panahon ay made-ideliver natin hanggang dulo. Pag tamang impormasyon ang binigay natin, ito rin ang tamang SOLusyon,” Carencia said.

The training focused on core topics such as data privacy, responsible communication, social media etiquette, and countering fake news—essential tools in building community trust and combatting misinformation.

Lenie Bautista, City Local Government Operations Officer (CLGOO), said the BIO initiative lays the foundation for an effective flow of information from the barangay level up to city and provincial governance.

“This program institutionalizes a communication channel that begins at the grassroots and contributes to more informed decision-making across all levels of government,” she noted.

The event drew strong support from Laguna Governor Sol Aragones, represented by Doland Castro, who acknowledged the significant responsibility BIOs carry. A former broadcast journalist, Governor Aragones understands the power of communication in shaping public trust.

“Misinformation and poor communication erode trust in government. But accurate, timely, and relevant information empowers people and strengthens public service,” Castro said, urging BIOs to go beyond reporting facts and become storytellers who inspire and mobilize communities.

Danilo Lucas, Head of the Provincial Information Office, called the training a historic milestone in local governance.

“Kayo ay magiging bahagi ng kasaysayan,” Lucas told participants. “This is not just about delivering information—it’s about making sure it is understood and acted upon.”

The sessions included expert lectures from the Philippine Information Agency–Calabarzon and Laguna Field Office, with Charmaine Odong and Christopher Hedreyda tackling media literacy, fake news detection, and responsible online behavior. Additional workshops covered basic photography with John Cedrick Ellazo, and news writing and photo layout led by April Pineda (CIO) and Mc Aliluran (YASDO).

Through this pioneering program, Biñan City has set a strong precedent for grassroots-led information dissemination—promoting transparency, civic engagement, and responsive governance.