Tuesday, January 10, 2017

PIA at 30

North, south, east, west, central.

From Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.

It was an event 30 years in the making. For the first time in its history, all staff members of the Philippine Information Agency are under one roof, celebrating a milestone to remember.

On December 8, 2016, more than 500 employees, partners, former staff members, and special guests of the Philippine Information Agency gathered at the University of the Philippines (UP) Bahay ng Alumni to celebrate this landmark event. Represented in the event is the full force of PIA staff members all over its 16 regional offices and 72 provincial information centers.

“We’ve worked hard to make this happen and it’s an honor to be at the helm of this agency at this momentous occasion,” says Director General Harold Clavite who really pushed to made this happen. “It was about time for all of us to come together and not only rekindle the passion we have for our work, but also remember the successes we have accomplished.”

Established via Executive Order 100 that was signed on Christmas Eve 1986 under the Administration of President Corazon Aquino, the Philippine Information Agency was tasked to be, “an agency in government with a means to communicate with the people, and in turn for the people to vigorously express their opinions, views and beliefs to the President; and in the same manner, a need for efficient flow of public information required by the people to assist them in decision making to improve overall quality of life.”

In essence, the agency’s offices all over the Philippines are the on the ground heralds of the National Government, mandated to communicate the Administration’s message to the grassroots. The men and women of PIA are given the challenge to communicate timely, accurate, and relevant information that will improve the quality of life of the Filipino.

Also, through Executive Order 511 that signed by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, the PIA has also become the advertising and public relation arm of the government, and has been developing full-scale advocacy and awareness campaigns for agencies locally and nationally.

In a symbolic toast led by Director General Clavite and Deputy Director General Angelo Villar, they envisioned a new PIA, was that is in-tune with the times, stronger together, and ready to take on the challenges ahead.

It was a signifcant gesture that not only is the agency celebrating its 30 years of existence, but is also focused on even making greater strides in the next 30.

Aside from the festive gathering enjoyed by the attendees, there was also a time to honor some of the longest-serving members of the PIA staff. Loyalty Awards were given to staff members who has served for at least 10 years.

Ms. Delicia Servande and Mr. Carlos Jackson, both from the Region 8 office of the agency were given accolades for serving the agency for 40 years, counting their loyal service to the predecessor of the PIA.

Awards were also given to staff members who promote the value of conscientious use of office resources and conservation of the environment among PIA employees (The PIA Masinop Award). The Gantimpala Award, for those who have exemplified courtesy, promptness, efficiency, dedication to duty and innovation, were also handed out. A number of PIA Special Recognition Award were bestowed on PIA employees who have shown exemplary achievement and contributed meaningfully to the agency.

A total of 12 employees were given the Meritorious Performance Award, for having attained two consecutive Outstanding Ratings for the year 2015 based on the Agency Performance Management System. Three PIA staff members who are truly worth emulating were honored the Outstanding Performer Award, for ardently achieving the extraordinary accomplishment of two (2) Outstanding Performance Ratings within a calendar year.

Guests from the Presidential Communications Office also graced the event including Assistant Secretary Marie Banaag, Assistant Secretary Bam Garcia, Director Gigi Agtay, and Undersecretary George Apacible.

As one important sign that the PIA is forward-looking and ready to take on more challenges, the attendees were one of the first to see a preview of the Philippine Information Agency’s first television program called LIKE PINAS. The weekly magazine show will give many more reasons why everyone and anyone should love the Philippines and also highlight government programs, services, and policies that are improving the lives of the Filipinos.

Though the night was about PIA’s internal achievements, the agency and it’s whole crew of dedicated information officers, directors, administrators, researchers, technical personnel, and creative staff did not forget the reason for why they’re there.

Because year in and year out, from the very beginning, the country’s chief information arm is about empowering communities and making a positive difference in the lives of the Filipino people.

http://pia.gov.ph/featured/stories/26

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