Davao City (DSWD XI) – Eleven communications officers of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) participated in the first ever National Information Convention (NIC 2018) spearheaded by the Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) and its main development communication arm, the Philippine Information Agency (PIA).

Held at SMX Convention Center, SM Lanang from February 19 to 21, the NIC 2018 was attended by over 1700 information officers from national agencies, local government units and academe; media practitioners; regional directors; representatives from national agencies; and local chief executives from all over the country.

The DSWD information officers came from Central Office, regions 1, 3, 10 and 11.

Imparted by select resource persons were the following topics: Build, Build, Build; Communicating Energy Efficiency and Conservation; Federalism; Public Diplomacy in Government Communication;  Rehabinasyon; Media Security; Knowing and Understanding the Media; Freedom of Information; Governance and Social Security; Knowledge Management; Empowering Government Communicators; Empowering Communities Through Media and Information Literacy; Grassroots Communication; Community Broadcasting; Community Mobilization; Risk Communication; Civic Engagement and Nation Building; Digital Media for Social Mobilization; Introduction to Government Information Centers and Information Volunteers’ Network; and Communicating Advocacy Through Film.

Other highlights of the event were the exhibits of various government communications offices like the National Printing Office, News and Information Bureau, Intercontinental Broadcasting Corporation, People’s Television Network, Radio Television Malacaňang, PIA, Bureau of Broadcast Services, Bureau of Communications Services, OP Web Development Office, and Apo Production Unit; launch of the Duterte App; and the fireside chats which capped the daily activities.

Director General Harold E. Clavite of PIA opened the convention while participants were welcomed by Mayor Sara Z. Duterte through First District Councilor Ma. Clara Belen S. Acosta.

The keynote message of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte was read by Secretary Jose Ruperto Martin M. Andanar of PCOO while Secretary Alan Peter S. Cayetano of Department of Foreign Affairs delivered the inspirational message on the last day. (DSWD)