HOTEL KIMBERLY, TAGAYTAY CITY, CAVITE— With the primary objective of enhancing the skills of Public Information Officers (PIOs) in crafting comprehensive and goal-oriented Strategic Communication Plans, the Public Affairs and Communication Service (PACS), in collaboration with DILG IV-A, conducted “The Capacity Building Workshop for Public Information Officers (PIOs): Developing the DILG Strategic Communication Plan 2025-2028 through the OASIS Framework,” from May 21- 23, 2025.

The three-day workshop began with a welcome message from DILG IV-A Regional Director Ariel O. Iglesia, CESO III, who emphasized the importance of communication, and the duties PIOs hold in disseminating information responsibly. 

“I think it is fair to say that the foundation of any operational entity is effective communication; it is how information is spread, how ideas are shared and discussed. And in this age of information technology, where we receive data in abundance regardless of its truth, how we navigate it is paramount,” RD Ariel stated.

PACS Director Atty. Salvacion Z. Baccay, CESO V set the direction for the activity, followed by the presentation of the DILG Strategic Plan 2023-2028, which was headed by the Planning Service’s Planning Officer III, Mr. Jan Frederick Ongkingco.

PACS-ICRD Chief Ms. Anna-Lissa K. Cariaso presented the National and Regional Results of the Bagong Pilipinas Communication Research, giving a more in-depth perspective about the spread of information within the Filipino populace, and the media through which it is consumed. 

Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Information Officer Kier Gideon Paolo Gapayao gave lectures regarding the OASIS Framework. This is a structured, five-step planning model designed to enhance the precision and effectiveness of strategic communications campaigns, particularly in the public sector. Developed by the UK’s Government Communications Service (GCS), it guides communicators through Objectives (setting clear, SMART goals for the campaign), Audience Insight (understanding the target audience’s needs, motivations, and behaviors), Strategy and Ideas (developing the overall approach, messaging, and channels based on objectives and audience), Implementation (executing the campaign plan, allocating resources, and managing delivery), and Scoring and Evaluation (continuously monitoring and measuring the campaign’s outcomes against its initial objectives to assess effectiveness and inform future efforts). This iterative framework promotes rigorous and consistent campaign development, aiming for measurable impact and behavior change.

All participants were grouped by the DILG’s Five (5) Outcome Areas, and were tasked to formulate their respective strategic communication plans accordingly: 

1) Excellence in local governance upheld; 

2) Peaceful, orderly, safe, and secure communities strengthened;

3) Resilient communities reinforced;

4) Inclusive communities enabled; and

5) Highly trusted Department and Partner.

The DILG IV-A, BJMP Central Office, and DILG Region 5 also presented their best communication practices, and the most effective communication campaigns they launched. 

On the final day, each group presented their outputs before a panel, which consisted of Undersecretary for Public Affairs and Communications Rolando C. Puno, Assistant Secretary for Plans and Programs Francisco R. Cruz, CESO III, Assistant Secretary for Communications and External Affairs Atty. Maria Liavel C. Badillo-Crisostomo, and Executive Assistant V for the Office of the Secretary, Haydee A. Sy.

At the activity’s conclusion, Undersecretary for Public Affairs and Communications Rolando C. Puno imparted a message for the participants: “As we continue to develop strategies such as the OASIS framework, and as we continue to refine best practices, I think it’s also incumbent upon us to be best practitioners as well…Best practices set the standards, but best practitioners raise those standards.”