The importance of public communicators was once again highlighted during the General Assembly of the Laguna Information Officers Network (LION) held on Thursday, August 7, 2025, at the Provincial Capitol in Sta. Cruz, Laguna. The event aimed to strengthen the collaboration between the Laguna Provincial Public Information Office and the City/Municipal Information Officers across the province.
Aristotle Mane, Cabuyao City Information Officer, was re-elected as President of LION. In his message, he emphasized the growing role and relevance of information officers:
“This is the time for Information Officers,” Mane declared, following the presentation of plans by Laguna Governor Sol Aragones, Capitol Communications Head Doland Castro, and the entire PIO team.
“Accurate Information is Essential” — Gov. Sol Aragones
In her address, Governor Sol Aragones stressed the importance of truth and accuracy in all forms of public communication.
“Information is important. But more importantly, it should be the right information,” she said. Reflecting on her experience at ABS-CBN, she shared: “Bottom line is, when you create news or a story, it must be easily understood by everyone.”
She also reiterated her advocacy for solution-based governance:
“I seek out what’s wrong so we can fix it — not to blame anyone.” Her message was clear: public service must be about solutions, not finger-pointing.
Governor Aragones also took a firm stand against misinformation:
“Let’s strengthen public information. We say no to fake news.” She highlighted the provincial government’s commitment to conduct regular seminars, workshops, and training sessions to ensure that all information released — from the Capitol to the barangays — is accurate, timely, and easy to understand.
Addressing the media, she gave words of assurance:
“To my fellow journalists, don’t worry — we will guide and support you under a GOByerno with SOLutions.”
Strengthening Grassroots Communication
Capitol Communications Head Doland Castro emphasized that LION should serve as a strong communication backbone for the province, ensuring that government messages are not misinterpreted or misused at the community level.
Meanwhile, Danilo Lucas, Head of Laguna PIO, proposed that each barangay should have its own Public Information Officer.
“Fast and clear communication must begin at the grassroots,” Lucas stated. He underscored the need for rapid information dissemination, especially during disasters, when the presence and action of local communicators is crucial. “Our primary goal is to combat fake news and misinformation,” he added.
Unified Messaging and Collaboration
Noel Alamar, President of the Laguna Capitol Press Corps, highlighted the power of unity in communication. He recalled a successful collaboration during an event in Cabuyao:
“Working together works,” he said, recognizing the press as a vital bridge between the provincial government and the LGUs. He reaffirmed their commitment to deliver effective public information throughout the province, from the Laguna Capitol to communities in Calamba and beyond.
DILG Provincial Director Jay Beltran also expressed strong support for the network:
“We totally believe that information is power,” he said. “Whoever controls the narrative controls the story, the messaging.” For him, consistent and unified messaging is key to fast and effective communication: “One messaging is crucial. When we share the same information, it spreads faster.” He commended Gov. Sol for initiating capacity-building programs to empower local information officers.
Newly Elected LION Officers (2025):
President: Aristotle Mane (Cabuyao)
VP for Internal Affairs: Jhe-Rico Sam Colina (San Pedro)
VP for External Affairs: Angela Silvania (NIA-Pila)
