Some 240 government public information and relations officers attended the annual Mindanao Communicators Network (MindaComNet) Congress and Workshop held at Pryce Hotel, Cagayan de Oro City last November 11 – 13.
This year’s congress which is now on its 13th year was hosted by the Regional Association of Government Communicators (RAGCOM) in Northern Mindanao with its theme, “Investment Opportunities in Mindanao towards ASEAN Integration.”
The organizers presented during the congress the vast opportunities available in Mindanao and our readiness to the challenge of the integration with talks coming from Pauline Ann Fererro of the Mindanao Development Authority, representing Director Romeo Montenegro and Gov. Mohamad Khalid Dimaporo of Lanao del Norte, the current chair of Region Development Council 9.
Likewise, learning events such as the latest trends in Public Relations as a tool in promoting government development programs as well as utilization of Mobile and Available Photography were provided to participants.
ABS-CBN’s top Public Relations (PR) honcho Ramon “Bong’ Osorio discussed how PR can be use as a Tool in Promoting Development Programs by presenting his company’s corporate communications programs and strategies as a guide for participants.
Dr. Jeff Ponce of Oro Photographic Society also presented the basics about mobile photography through slide-show presentation and how could it be use in promoting government programs using still photos.
Aside from these, other learning events were provided with the following topics and discussants; “Understanding ASEAN’ – Director Belina SB Capul, Philippine Information Agency (PIA) ASEAN Focal Person, “How to Become an Effective Spokesperson” – Emelyn Libunao, PIA Program Management Services Director and Internal Security and Peace Plan (Oplan Bayanihan) – Major General Oscar Lactao, Commanding General, 4th Infantry Division, Philippine Army based in Cagayan de Oro City.
Before the closing ceremony, PIA launched its Mindanao Mobile App dubbed “PIA Mindanao” and conducted a General Election of its Officers for 2016 – 2018.
PIA Undersecretary Jose Oquinena gave meaningful words of wisdom during the closing ceremony as he bade good-bye to the delegates as his term of office expires on June 30.
The IOs that attended came from various national government agencies, government-owned and controlled corporations, government financial institutions, state universalities and colleges and local government units all over Mindanao, comprising Regions 9 (Western Mindanao), 10 (Northern Mindanao), 11 (Davao Region), 12 (SOCCSKSARGEN), CARAGA and ARMM.
Region 12’s ICON (Information Coordinating Network), which is an affiliate of MindaComNet represented the group with 30 IOs in attendance.
