Public information officers learn to write in a digital age

INFORMATION officers from the different regional offices of the Philippine Information Agency – Visayas have learned to become writers of the digital age during a two-day seminar and workshop sponsored by Smart Communications Inc.

“Smart is happy to support PIA-Visayas in this effort to maximize the use of social media and the web to propagate responsible news reporting,” said lawyer Jane Paredes, Smart Public Affairs senior manager for Visayas-Mindanao.

The seminar held in Cebu brought in experts in the fields of online and social media.

Max Limpag, a print and digital journalist, tackled the unique characteristics of both print and online media. He also discussed available online tools that may be useful for information officers in presenting their stories.

Ruben Licera, Google Developers Group-Cebu community manager and Cebu Bloggers Society president, talked on the smart use of social media to disseminate information. He discussed the power of social media as well as the importance of content. Licera also shared some tips on social media sharing and gaining followers.

“Our information officers learned a lot on the use of online tools. They are also excited to apply their knowledge in their day-to-day tasks,” said lawyer Ma. Janet Mesa, PIA-Visayas cluster head.

Aside from online journalism, PIA-Visayas information officers also learned Infographics. Smart Public Affairs officer Elvin Luciano gave tips on how to use Infographics and the basic tools available online for creating these visual data representations.

An essential part of responsible journalism, cyber laws and ethics were also tackled by lawyer Rose Versoza, a member of the Cebu Media’s Legal Aid and a news anchor of GMA-7 Cebu Balitang Bisdak.

Before the seminar ended, information officers were able to put into practice what they learned through a workshop using free multi-user blog site, Journ.ph as the platform.

“Smart provides us opportunities to grow and apply what we learned,” said Iloilo Information Center Manager Elsa Subong.

PIA Director-General Jose Mari Oquiñena, who wants information officers from other PIA offices to undergo the same training, remarked during the closing, “I think this is a way for PIA to move forward.”

Launched in 2009, Smart has been a long-time advocate for the responsible use of web and mobile technologies for journalism through its program journ.ph (www.journ.ph).