DAVAO DEL NORTE July 16 (PIA) – The Provincial Government of Davao del Norte sustains its policy of recognizing the very important role of the provincial media in attaining local development.
In a dialogue with Davao del Norte-based journalists, Provincial Information Office (PIO) Coordinator Sofonias Gabonada, Jr. revealed the province, under the leadership of Governor Rodolfo del Rosario, continues to view the local media as a strong ally in advancing growth and progress.
“Governor del Rosario cares for the local media since he acknowledges their great contribution in development,” he said.
The PIO reached out to the local media anew to thresh out some issues and concerns, with the end view of strengthening harmonious working relationship with the ‘fourth estate’.
Gabonada stressed the media’s role as a watchdog of society and a forum of discussion, among other functions that strengthen democracy.
He said relevant information provided by the media greatly helped build a culture of accountability in government and enabled the constituents to exercise their right to know and better enjoy their freedom of speech, among other constitutional rights.
The new PIO chief said this has inspired the province to sustain its support to media institutions in the province by way of programs and activities aimed at capacitating and professionalizing the media people and improving community journalism and information access.
Gabonada cited, for instance, Governor del Rosario’s declaration of the month of October as Provincial Press Freedom Month some eight years ago.
The annual event feted mediamen with a variety of activities that promote their welfare and development, such as new trends in media, basic and advance training on journalism, health and wellness, among other undertakings.
The PIO also sustained the 10-year old Kapihan sa Kapitolyo media forum, in collaboration with the Philippine Information Agency, among other initiatives that provide venue for members of the media and policymakers to engage in timely discussion on public policies, programs and issues, and the likes.
However, invoking the same transparency and accountability that the tri-media espouse, Gabonada underlined certain requirements they must comply to be able to legally transact with government offices, particularly in terms of ads placement and other dealings.
These include certain requisites set by the Commission on Audit (COA) and those applicable documents enumerated in the Philippine Government Electronic Procurement System (PHILGEPS).
Gabonada further urged the media to maximize its influence in agenda-setting by pursuing developmental journalism in shaping the issues of the day.(Noel Baguio-DavNor PIO)
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