Sorsogon brgy summit tackles information pollution

By Benilda Recebido

SORSOGON CITY, Sorsogon --- Over 300 information officers from various barangays in Sorsogon province gathered to learn skills in combating information pollution during the Barangay Information and Outreach Network (BION) Summit held on November 18 at the Sorsogon Provincial Gymnasium.

The summit equipped frontline communicators with essential skills to address misinformation, disinformation, and malinformation—issues that have increasingly impacted communities during elections, emergencies, and public advisories.

Unchecked information pollution can delay critical responses and put lives at risk, especially during disasters or urgent community announcements.

Ana-Liza Macatangay, deputy regional head of PIA Bicol, emphasized the vital role of barangay information officers (BIOs) in delivering accurate, verified, and timely information.

She said, “Our barangay information officers play a crucial role in ensuring that the information shared with their fellow residents is accurate and timely. You are partners of the PIA in delivering the services and programs that the government has prepared for them. You are not just Barangay Information Officers; you are the frontliners of truth.”

Benilda Recebido, the PIA Sorsogon information center manager, promoted media information literacy and responsible digital citizenship. She stressed the importance of being analytical, careful, and critical when evaluating information and news.

“We are now media information advocates. Teach and share the correct knowledge in using various media and digital platforms. Do not trust immediately. ‘Think before you click’ to avoid misinformation and its consequences,” she said.

Inspired by this call to action, participants reflected on how they could apply the summit’s lessons in their daily work as BIOs.

They noted that the lectures and discussions on media and information literacy, disaster communication, and Journalism 101 significantly improved their ability to verify information, detect fake news, and ensure the accuracy of the updates they relay to their communities—skills that are essential to their roles as frontline communicators.

For many attendees, the summit provided clarity and effective strategies to help them fulfill their responsibilities as information officers.

Dennis Discaya, a barangay kagawad and blogger from Bacon District, found the lessons immediately useful for both public service and his online content creation.

“I learned practical tips against information pollution. First, examine and understand the content of the news. Second, verify if the website or social media page is legitimate. Third, read the entire report to understand its full context. I also learned to check references and see if other credible organizations report the same details,” he explained.

As a BIO, Discaya stated that these steps would help him ensure accuracy in every announcement, advisory, and online post he makes for the barangay.

Ricardo Paras, barangay secretary of Obrero, Bulan, shared that the summit clarified misconceptions and boosted his confidence in managing information.

“Before the summit, I was confused about its purpose. After the discussion, everything became clearer. From now on, I will check if the information I receive is true, helpful, or harmful. I now understand how to spot fake news by evaluating the source, purpose, ownership, and timeliness. I will apply this knowledge to ensure I spread only verified information in our barangay,” he said.

These skills, he added, will guide him in issuing barangay advisories, processing reports, and ensuring residents receive factual updates, especially during emergencies.

Abito Silvano, a barangay secretary from Colambis Casiguran, emphasized how foundational knowledge about information pollution reshaped his perspective.

He noted that this understanding will help them correct false information circulating in their barangay and educate residents about responsible media consumption.

“I learned about misinformation, disinformation, and malinformation. Understanding the differences helps us avoid unintentionally sharing harmful or misleading information,” he explained. (Bertuldo Jr. Bueza contributed to this report/ PIA 5)

Philip Evangelista, Executive Assistant to the Office of the Director General of PIA, led the oath-taking ceremony of the first-ever Barangay Information and Outreach Network (BION) officers and Board of Directors in Sorsogon on Tuesday, November 17, 2025. The occasion marked a new chapter in strengthening grassroots communication in the province. (PIA 5)