Barangay tapped to disseminate correct info

ZAMBOANGA CITY – The local government launched the so-called BION or Barangay Information Officers Network in an effort to further disseminate proper and correct information during the coronavirus pandemic amid the proliferation of fake news.

Mayor Beng Climaco speaks before BION members. (Bong Serondo)

Mayor Beng Climaco - who spearheaded the BION orientation - encouraged barangay information officers to help the government in the aspect of information, education and communication as the local government carries out all necessary measures to address and mitigate the impact of the health crisis.

Climaco was also joined by Philippine Information Agency Regional Director Noemi Edaga and Department of the Interior and Local Government Zamboanga City Director Ginagene Vano.

The BION is a joint project of the local government’s Risk Communications Team in collaboration with the Philippine Information Agency, Department of Health and City Health Office and it will serve as the localized information network system.

She said true and factual information is very important, especially now that fake news found its way on social media and even used by unscrupulous individuals to take advantage of the pandemic to malign the government and other people for their own selfish interest.

She said social media are also flooded with advertisements of medical products and gadgets that promise a cure or treatment for Covid-19.

Quoting one campaign of the World Health Organization or WHO, Climaco said: “As the world responds to the Covid-19 pandemic, we face the challenge of an overabundance of information related to the virus. Some of this information may be false and potentially harmful.”

“Inaccurate information spreads widely and at speed, making it more difficult for the public to identify verified facts and advice from trusted sources, such as the local health authority or WHO. However, everyone can help to stop the spread. If you see content online that you believe to be false or misleading, you can report it to the hosting social media platform.”

Climaco, a popular politician in Zamboanga, has been the target of fake news and black political propaganda mounted by her foes ahead of the 2022 national and local polls.

Last month, the local task force on Covid-19 chaired by Climaco, also launched the “Tiene Cuidao” campaign, an information drive against the coronavirus pandemic in an effort to eliminate or slow down the spread of the deadly respiratory disease.

The campaign - also from the Risk Communications Team - highlights minimum health standards and personal responsibility in protecting self, community and city from the virus. “When we say tiene cuidao, it is an expression of love and affection. I am telling you that I care for you, that I am thinking of you, that I am waiting for your return, happy and safe,” Climaco said. 

Climaco has appealed patiently over and over again to residents to always follow the community quarantine guidelines and observe physical distancing. But despite her appeals, many continue to defy health protocols. (Zamboanga Post)

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