MAASIN CITY– A top official of the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) in Eastern Visayas urged police officers to exercise caution in sharing information during crises to prevent the escalation of secondary crises.

“In crises, we have to deal with the media; we have to handle and manage them properly in divulging information,” said Reyan L. Arinto, PIA-8 regional head, during a lecture on Crisis Communication for law enforcers on June 20 at the old DPWH Function Hall.
The provincial Philippine National Police leadership invited Arinto to be one of the speakers for a seminar on basic news writing and social media management.

In his hour-long talk, Arinto encouraged the police officers to maintain positive working relationships with the local media and be readily available for interviews on radio stations or in print publications.

In addition, humanitarian outreach programs could support the police in educating people at the community level and helping them better understand law enforcement perspectives.
Arinto said it’s important to provide updates without revealing sensitive information that could compromise peace, order, and security.

During a simulated press conference about a bomb explosion, the police chief calmly gave limited but accurate information to facilitate immediate reporting.
Police officers from different field stations listen attentively as PIA Regional Head Reyan Arinto provides training on handling inquisitive or adversarial media during crises. (Photo: PIA-8)

Lyna Gayas, administrative and information officer of the Department of Education – Southern Leyte Division, and Ronald O. Reyes, Manila Standard and Sun Star Philippines correspondent, also shared their expertise.

Police chiefs and social media handlers from PNP field units across the province attended the event. (AAC/MMP, PIA Southern Leyte)

TACLOBAN CITY – The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) regional office here has kicked off its 20-day tutorial program to enhance the reading capabilities of elementary students in Samar province.

Dubbed “Tara, Basa! Tutoring Program” (TBTP), it will deploy 375 tutors and youth development workers (YDWs) to help improve the reading capabilities of 2,000 struggling elementary pupils and carry out family development sessions for parents or guardians.
“As per TBTP guidelines, each tutor will handle a maximum of 10 learners and one YDW for a maximum of 50 parents or guardians,” the DSWD regional office here said in a statement Tuesday.

In return for their service, tutors and YDWs will receive a PHP405 daily pay, equivalent to the prevailing daily minimum wage in the region, for their 20-day work.
This is on top of the capacity development and service credits they will earn after the program.

Last week, each of the identified tutors and YDWs from Samar State University in Catbalogan City and Northwest Samar State University in Calbayog City received PHP2,000 to support their needs during their deployment to their assigned schools.

Tutors and YDWs are college students from poor families. Tutors will focus on teaching children to read, while YDWs are tasked with empowering parents as their first teachers at home.

Parents and guardians of child beneficiaries are also provided with PHP235 daily under the cash-for-work scheme by the DSWD. The cash rewards parents and guardians for attending these sessions and for assisting their children in preparing their needs for learning and reading and in their after-reading assignments. (SARWELL Q. MENIANO/PNA)

The senator replaces VP Sara

TACLOBAN CITY – The appointment of Senator Juan Edgardo ‘Sonny’ Angara as Secretary of the Department of Education (DepEd) has been warmly welcomed by officials in Eastern Visayas.

Eastern Samar Governor Ben Evardone highlighted Angara’s extensive knowledge of education, which makes him a fitting choice for the education portfolio.

“I welcome and fully support the appointment of Sen. Sonny Angara as the new DepEd Secretary. Sec. Angara has extensive knowledge about education. In fact, education has been his priority sector in terms of budgetary support, advocacies, and initiatives,” Evardone said in a statement sent to the Inquirer.

“I am sure that he will bring to DepEd his wealth of expertise, experience, and knowledge. I hope that all stakeholders in the education sector should rally and support Sec. Angara,” he added.

Leyte board member Carlo Loreto also expressed support for Angara’s appointment, calling it a wise decision.

“(Sen.) Sonny Angara’s appointment as Education Secretary is a decision that resonates with wisdom and foresight. His track record as a dedicated public servant, coupled with his extensive efforts in improving educational infrastructure and responding effectively to crises, make him an ideal candidate for this significant position,” Loreto said.

Loreto, a former vice governor of Leyte, said that Angara has funded the construction of several school buildings and gymnasiums across the province during his tenure as a senator.

“With his new role as Education Secretary, Sen. Angara is poised to revitalize the Department of Education (DepEd) and propel the educational system towards greater heights,” he added.

Rep. Marcelino Libanan of the 4Ps party-list group shared his personal connection with Angara, recalling their time together in the 11th Congress.

“I know him. He is brilliant as we worked together during the 11th Congress,” Libanan said.
He acknowledged that Angara’s background as a politician might be seen as a setback, but emphasized Angara’s dedication to service.

“That is okay. What is important is that he has the heart and mind to serve. At any rate, the DepEd secretary is an alter ego of the President who is a politician,” Libanan said.
The regional office of the DepEd expressed their enthusiasm for Angara’s appointment following the sudden resignation of Vice President Sara Duterte.

“The DepEd community looks forward to working with the new leadership as we continue our relentless pursuit towards improving the quality of Basic Education in the country,” Jazmin Calzita, the regional information officer, said in a statement.(JOEY A. GABIETA)