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Information Officers from Local Government Units (LGUs) in Region 10 collaborated with the InfoACE Units of the PRDP Mindanao Cluster during a four-day training in Camiguin Province from November 12โ€“15, 2024.

The event focused on crafting audience-centered communication materials to elevate storytelling approaches for rural development initiatives.

Led by the PSO Mindanao InfoACE Team and hosted by the RPCO 10 InfoACE Unit, the โ€œTraining Writeshop on User-Needs Model for Impactful Storytelling Cum Regional Information Officers Networking Forumโ€ aimed to broaden the network of partners advocating for the Philippine Rural Development Project (PRDP). The training aligned communication strategies with the innovative User-Needs Model, designed to meet the evolving demands of diverse audiences across platforms and formats.

Yas Ocampo, social media manager for MindaNews, facilitated the workshop attended by Information Officers from Camiguin, Bukidnon, and Misamis Oriental, alongside InfoACE staff from six regions in Mindanao. Participants explored the six audience user needs and learned techniques for crafting stories that resonate and create impact. Hands-on sessions focused on using tools like Meta Business Suite to analyze social media metrics, including audience demographics, age, gender, and engagement rates. This data-driven approach equips communicators to refine content, address gaps, and maximize reader engagement.

Sangguniang Panlalawigan Member Luis S. Bollozos, DVM, representing Camiguin Governor Xavier Jesus D. Romualdo, expressed gratitude to DA-PRDP for its commitment to fostering collaboration in the province. As Chair of the Agriculture Committee, Bollozos emphasized the vital role of accurate and timely information in supporting local stakeholders.

โ€œThis training-workshop is crucial because it ensures accurate updates and information reach our constituents. We sincerely thank DA-PRDP for including Camiguin in its advocacy to create a network for cross-promotion and content sharing for our farmers and fisherfolk,โ€ Bollozos said.

Mary Grace Sta. Elena, head of the Regional Agriculture and Fisheries Information Section (RAFIS) of DA-X, welcomed the participants on behalf of Regional Executive Director Apollo Y. Pacamalan. She underscored the importance of LGU Information Officers in bridging communication gaps for PRDP Scale-Up subprojects.

โ€œOne of the lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic is the importance of a wide network of information officersโ€”not only within RPCOs but also among our LGU partners. Your efforts allow us to continue providing critical updates to our stakeholders and funding partners, even when on-ground visits are limited,โ€ Sta. Elena shared.

PSO Mindanao Information Specialist Joseph John Palarca, DVM, highlighted the urgency of impactful communication, particularly with the conclusion of PRDP’s Second Additional Financing and European Union Co-Financing Grant (AF2-EU).

โ€œWith the PRDP Scale-Up now underway, there are countless stories waiting to be told. Strong regional partnerships and enhanced storytelling are essential to showcasing the interventions aimed at uplifting rural agri-fishery communities in Mindanao,โ€ Palarca said.

Participants left the workshop equipped to develop updated communication strategies aligned with the PRDP Scale-Up’s overarching communications plan. They are also tasked with strengthening the network of Mindanao Information Officers to foster collaboration and cross-promotion of materials.

This initiative reflects DA-PRDPโ€™s unwavering commitment to empowering its partners with the tools and skills necessary for impactful communication, furthering the projectโ€™s goal of driving rural development in Mindanao.

#DAPRDP#ruraldevelopment#Mindanao#prdpscaleup#WorldBank#EUinthePhilippines

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