The City Government of Isabela, Basilan proudly shared its Barangay Information Officers Network (BION) best practices during the Zamboanga City BION General Assembly and Capacity Building Workshop held on September 30, at the Terra Cotta Hotel, Tumaga, Zamboanga City.
As the Hall of Fame Awardee for Best BION Implementer, Isabela City has become a leading model in grassroots communication and information dissemination through the full support and leadership of Mayor Sitti Djalia Turabin-Hataman. This recognition paved the way for its invitation to the Zamboanga City gathering, where the city showcased its innovative approaches in BION implementation.
Representing Isabela City, City Information Officer Mendry-Ann Lim presented the city’s best practices that empowered barangay information officers to become true partners of local governance. Among these are BION’s role as communication multipliers, community volunteers, and health promoters, which highlight their contributions in amplifying government programs, supporting civic initiatives, and assisting in health campaigns. To further strengthen their capacity, the city also introduced CLASS or Continuous Learning Acquisition and Skills Support, which provides regular trainings and skills enhancement opportunities.
Isabela City likewise invests in its BION members by providing communication allowances, smartphones, and uniforms to professionalize their role. It also launched the Champion of Information Optimization (CIO) Awards to motivate and honor outstanding members. Another flagship initiative is the BION Info-Servicio Caravan, a community-based activity that brings government services and information closer to the people while promoting civic engagement at the grassroots level.
The assembly was graced by Zamboanga City Mayor Khymer Adan T. Olaso, who delivered an inspirational message and led the oath-taking ceremony of the participants. Also sharing her expertise was Nilda T. Delos Reyes, Information Center Manager of PIA Basilan, who discussed Media and Information Literacy as part of the training proper.
Organized by the Zamboanga City Public Information Office in partnership with the Philippine Information Agency (PIA), the event gathered barangay information officers and communication partners for a day-long program. Sessions tackled media and information literacy, government priority programs, cybersecurity awareness, and communication planning.
Through this knowledge exchange, Isabela City reaffirmed its commitment to promoting transparency and strengthening community engagement, while also inspiring other local government units to replicate successful practices in information dissemination and citizen empowerment. (Words and Photos by S. Sualing, CIO)
