CAMP KANGLEON, Leyte – The Regional Public Information Office (RPIO) 8 led by officer-in-charge Maj. Analiza Armeza, recently concluded a series of seminar-workshops aimed at equipping personnel of the Police Regional Office 8 with essential skills for compliant and effective public communication across all social media platforms.
According to Armeza, the seminar-workshop underscores PRO 8’s dedication to fostering proactive and informed public communication within PRO 8.
“We are committed to ensuring that our personnel are equipped with the necessary skills to communicate transparently and effectively with the communities we serve,” she said.
The series of workshops commenced on June 18, in Ormoc City, followed by sessions held on June 20 in Maasin City, Southern Leyte, and June 25 in Catbalogan, Samar. Additional sessions were conducted on July 2 in Borongan City, July 5 in Catarman, Northern Samar, July 9 in Naval, Biliran, and July 11 in Burauen, Leyte.
Accordingly, the workshops were attended by Public Information Officers (PIOs), Chiefs of Police, Station Commanders, Writers, and Social Media Handlers from City and Provincial Police Offices, and the Regional Mobile Force Battalion 8.
The RPIO 8 initiative brought together 456 participants, with 50 from the Ormoc City Police Office, Tacloban City Police Office, and RMFB 8; 42 from the Southern Leyte PPO; 60 from Samar PPO; 102 from Eastern Samar PPO; 57 from Northern Samar PPO; 28 from Biliran PPO; and 117 from the Leyte PPO.
Meanwhile, the comprehensive sessions featured lectures on crucial topics including Introduction to Communication, Press Release Writing, Media Relations, Crisis Communication, Photojournalism, and Social Media Management.
These covered key aspects necessary for effective public communication and engagement.
Furthermore, esteemed guest speakers enriched the seminar-workshop with their expertise, including Reyan L. Arinto, Regional Head, Philippine Information Agency – Eastern Visayas; Dr. Ulderico Alviola, Chair, Development Communication Department – Visayas State University, Baybay City; Lyna Gayas, Division Information Officer, Department of Education – Southern Leyte; Marie Tonette Grace Marticio, Correspondent, Manila Bulletin; Mr. Ronald Reyes, Correspondent, Sunstar Philippines and Manila Standard; and Mr. Roel Amazona, Correspondent/Reporter, Leyte Samar Daily Express and RMN Tacloban.
Brig.Gen. Reynaldo Pawid, regional director, expresses appreciation to all participants and resource speakers for their active engagement and contributions to the success of the seminar-workshops.
He emphasized that good communication skills are fundamental to police officers in maintaining public safety, building community trust, and effectively carrying out their responsibilities.
“The seminar-workshop provided invaluable knowledge and practical skills crucial for effectively engaging with the public and disseminating information responsibly. By employing effective communication strategies, we enhance our professional capabilities and positively impact community relations and public safety,” he added.
