Banaybanay, Davao Oriental — The Barangay Information Officers Network (BION) was officially launched today, June 27, 2026, in the province of Davao Oriental. Spearheaded by the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Region XI, in collaboration with local government units and other government agencies, the initiative aims to boost the flow of accurate and reliable information at the grassroots level.
The town of Banaybanay served as the pilot municipality for the BION Assembly, with plans underway to replicate the activity across other towns in the province.
In today’s fast-paced digital age, information spreads rapidly—but so does misinformation, underinformation, and fake news. This growing challenge has emphasized the critical need for verified, clear, and truthful communication to ensure that the public stays accurately informed.
Through BION, barangay officials and community members are being trained and empowered to serve as key information disseminators. The initiative aims to strengthen the link between government and citizens by equipping Barangay Information Officers (BIOs) with skills in basic news writing, fact-checking, and social media management. These tools are vital in combating disinformation and promoting transparency and trust within communities.
PIA Regional Director Rene Carbayas, Provincial Information Officer Karen Lou Deloso, and Banaybanay Municipal Information Officer Tobias Alamis were present during the activity and expressed their full support for the program.
With BION, stakeholders hope to establish a strong foundation for grassroots communication and empower communities to take charge of their narratives through accurate and timely information.