PIA chief De Castro to barangay info officers: Correct knowledge is power

By Keren Anne Bernadas

VIRAC, Catanduanes --- Director-General Katherine Chloe De Castro of the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) has emphasized that “correct knowledge” is crucial for village officials, as it enables them to effectively address community needs, leading to better outcomes for residents.

During the Barangay Information Officers Network (BION) Summit in Virac, Catanduanes, De Castro pointed out that having information empowers village officials to better understand situations and make informed decisions, which helps prevent baseless assumptions.

However, she emphasized that knowledge is only truly powerful when it is “correct.”

Therefore, barangay officials should critically evaluate information shared on social media and the internet to avoid the harm caused by misinformation, fake news, and conspiracy theories, she said.

The pervasive spread of misinformation in social media and the internet can lead to severe consequences, including public panic and a loss of trust in barangay officials as reliable sources of information, she warned.

“There is nothing harmful about using new technology. I am, in fact, an advocate of it—as long as it is used properly and responsibly. Some people use technology to deceive and spread misinformation, De Castro said.

She continued: “Not everything we read online is true. Not everything we see should be believed. So we must know how to look, research, and ask questions. This is why we are conducting the barangay information officers network summit here in Bicol.”

De Castro underscored the vital role of barangay officials serving as information officers, noting that they serve as the national government’s partners and as a bridge for conveying accurate and meaningful information in times of need.

“Tinitingala kayo bilang credible sources, dahil hindi malayo sa katotohanan na ang impormasyong ating inilalabas ay maaaring makapagligtas ng buhay o, di kaya, makapagpabuti ng buhay ng ating kapwa,” she said.

(You are looked up to as a credible source of information, because it is not far from the truth that the information we release can save lives or at the very least, improve the lives of our neighbors.)

De Castro encouraged stronger collaboration between the national government and barangay information officers in delivering accurate, relevant, and timely information to communities, as well as advocating for their interests and progress.

“Kayo ang unang nakakarinig ng hinaing ng ating mga kababayan, at kayo rin ang unang nagsasabi kung ano ang tunay na nangyayari sa inyong mga komunidad. Kayo ang tulay sa pagitan ng tao at ng pamahalaan,” she said.

(You are the first to hear the grievances of our countrymen, and you are also the first to tell what is really happening in your communities. You are the bridge between the people and the government.)

The BION summit held in this province marked the first event in the Bicol region. Key topics discussed during the summit included media information literacy, development communication orientation, and disaster information.

Approximately 350 barangay officials attended the summit. (PIA Bicol)