DBM Usec. Libiran named 2023 top government communicator

MANILA, Philippines –  The RP-Mission and Development Foundation Inc. (RPMD) recently completed its “Boses ng Bayan” nationwide job performance assessment titled “Top Communicators of Government Agencies-Philippines” for 2023.

This detailed annual review showcased the exceptional communication leaders in Philippine government agencies.

Goddes Hope Libiran of the Department of Budget and Management was a standout performer, securing an impressive 89.7% rating and sharing the top spot with Mico Clavano of the Department of Justice, who received an 88.9% job satisfaction rating.

Other notable communicators included Marge Gutierrez of the Department of the Interior and Local Government with 87.3%, Edu Punay of the Department of Social Welfare and Development with 85.6%, Daphne Oseña-Paez of the Presidential Communications Office with 84.1%, and Dana Sandoval of the Bureau of Immigration, who scored 82.5%.

Commendations were given to Jonathan Malaya of the National Security Council with 80.2%, Felix William Fuentebella of the Department of Energy with 78.6%, Reynaldo Munsayac of the Office of the Vice President with 76.3%, Mike Poa of the Department of Education with 74.2%, and Jean Fajardo of the Philippine National Police with 70.7%.

The assessment of these communicators is crucial for the transparent, clear, and responsible dissemination of government information, which is fundamental to maintaining public trust and the functionality of national institutions.

Their effective communication, particularly during critical times such as crises or significant policy changes, is essential for maintaining governmental credibility and public trust.

Criteria for this assessment included the clarity and accuracy of information conveyed, timeliness of responses, adaptability to new communication channels, the ability to engage diverse audiences, crisis management, and consistency across communication platforms.

Ethical communication standards emphasizing honesty, integrity, and respect for privacy were also strictly evaluated.

Regular and systematic evaluations are crucial not only for maintaining high performance but also for encouraging continuous improvement and professional growth among government communicators.

Such evaluations enhance the overall effectiveness of government communication strategies, which supports improved governance and strengthens democratic processes.

Dr. Paul Martinez, Global Affairs Analyst and Executive Director of RPMD commended the top performers.

“I am immensely proud of the professionalism and dedication exhibited by these individuals. Their pivotal roles in enhancing transparency and shaping public perception establish them not just as representatives of their agencies but as vital conduits between the government and the public,” he said.

“Effective communication by these spokespeople ensures that all stakeholders clearly understand government policies and actions. This clarity is crucial for preventing misinformation, managing public expectations, and building a cooperative relationship between the government and its citizens. Furthermore, in times of crisis, these communicators are indispensable for delivering urgent and accurate information that can safeguard public safety and stability,” he added.

“Their capacity to convey complex information in an accessible manner significantly contributes to informed public discourse and decision-making. This is essential for fostering civic engagement and sustaining democratic governance. Therefore, we must continue to recognize and enhance the skills of these top communicators to maintain the integrity and effectiveness of our governmental communication efforts,” he concluded.

The “Top Communicators of Government Agencies—Philippines (year 2023)” segment was a vital component of the “Boses ng Bayan” survey, a comprehensive nationwide initiative involving 10,000 respondents carefully selected from a large voter pool of 65 million.

The survey’s methodology, characterized by a 95% confidence level and a margin of error of ±1%, highlights its reliability and the significance of its findings in gauging public opinion