The Communication and Advocacy Committee Zamboanga Peninsula (ComAdCom IX) hosted the Regional Outstanding Communicators Award (ROCA) 2025, recognizing the exemplary efforts of government information officers and partner agencies in advancing communication and public information in the region. The event took place on November 27 in Zamboanga City.
The event kicked off with a welcome remarks from Noemi Edaga, Chairperson of ComAdCom IX and Regional Head of PIA IX, acknowledging the guests and highlighting the importance of effective communication in governance. She thanked partners and guests for making the activity possible and welcomed attendees, emphasizing that “When communities inform, communities are empowered, and when communicators are empowered, government are more responsive…”
Guests included representatives from Zamboanga City, Zamboanga del Sur, Zamboanga Sibugay, Dipolog City, and NGAs: DOLE, BFP, PPI, CSC, PDEA, EMP, DENR, NICA, DOST, DPWH, PHILHEALTH, and CPD.
Zamboanga City Legal Officer Atty. Evangelina Doctolero, representing Mayor Khymer Adan Olaso, delivered an inspiring keynote speech. He stressed the significance of communication in shaping the future of Zamboanga Peninsula, saying “We gather here not just for the awarding ceremony, but for a celebration of Truth, Transparency and Power of Communication… Continue provide timely, accurate, and factual information.”
Awards were presented to the Best Municipal and Barangay Information Officers, with Isabela City receiving top honors in the Information Category. Isabela City’s Top 3 Most Outstanding Barangay Information Officers were:
1. Elvic John Obedencia – BIO Panunsulan
2. Janice Delos Santos – BIO Small Kapatagan
3. Mujib Abbas – BIO Marang-Marang
Elvic John Obedencia shared a message, highlighting the challenges and rewards of being a Barangay Information Officer, emphasizing that Isabela City BIOs are already empowered and thanking the City Government and the PIA Basilan. He said, “The award and pride I received is not just mine, but belongs to all my fellow BIOs. We will continue to deliver accurate, detailed, and relevant public information.”
The Best Regional Information Officer 2025, Ivan Eric Salvador from Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), delivered a message describing communication as “meaningful, responsible and strategic.” The awardee emphasized that “Communication is a dialogue, a partnership, and cycle of informing and being inform.” He also added that, “Communication isn’t just about disseminating facts but shaping possibilities.”
Special awards were given to participating sponsors in recognition of their support for ROCA 2025, as well as to NGA and LGU partners, including the City Government of Isabela which was received by City Administrator Pedrito Eisma.
Dahlia Paragas, Regional Information Officer of DepEd IX, delivered a closing message, emphasizing the importance of continued collaboration and excellence in communication.
The ROCA event is a recognition and testament to the commitment of government officers and partner agencies to advancing communication and public information in the region, beginning in empowering and informing citizens from the grassroots level. (Words by S. Angging, CIO/Contributed Photos)
