THE Provincial Government of Bohol (PGBh), through the Provincial Information and Media Office (PiMO), conducted a 2-day training on news writing and photojournalism on May 26–27, 2025, at the Bohol Bee Farm.
Twenty-five designated information officers from various Capitol offices attended this event. The workshop aimed to improve internal communication and enhance the flow of accurate, timely, and relevant information from the provincial government to the people of Bohol.
Marc Anthony Pernia, Administrative Officer V of PiMO, welcomed the participants and emphasized the vital role of public communicators.
“As government employees, we are not only implementers of policies and programs; we are also communicators of truth, progress, and public accountability,” he stated. “This training reflects our recognition that good governance is closely tied to effective communication.”
The resource speaker for the workshop was Rey Anthony Chiu, the manager of the Philippine Information Agency (PIA)-Bohol, who conducted a crash course on Basic News Writing for Print and Broadcast. Chiu guided participants through the fundamentals of news writing, highlighting the importance of timeliness, proximity, prominence, oddity, and human interest in crafting compelling news stories.
He emphasized that news must be fresh, relevant, and engaging to capture public interest and ensure wider dissemination. Participants were also introduced to the inverted pyramid format, where the most important information is placed at the story’s beginning.
They learned the three essential steps in writing news: fact-gathering, encoding information using the 5Ws and 1H (who, what, when, where, why, and how), and editing for clarity, accuracy, and conciseness.
Chiu offered practical tips, such as using simple and precise language, rigorously verifying details, and avoiding flowery adjectives to improve writing efficiency and credibility.
Meanwhile, Karl Michael Din, the resident geologist of the Capitol, highlighted Bohol’s unique status as the first and only UNESCO Global Geopark in the Philippines. He emphasized its importance not only for environmental conservation but also for shaping Bohol’s identity and narrative by infusing and aligning its values to Capitol programs and initiatives.
Din encouraged the participants to consciously incorporate the Geopark designation into their news stories, showcasing its impact on tourism, sustainability, and community pride whenever relevant.
This training means more consistent, reliable, and timely access to government-related information. With better-trained information officers, the public can expect clearer updates on programs, services, and initiatives that impact their daily lives.
Ultimately, the initiative contributes to a more informed and empowered citizenry. As the Capitol’s communicators become better equipped to bridge the gap between the government and its constituents, Boholanos benefits from greater transparency and stronger public accountability. This initiative is part of the ABante administration’s Strategic Change Agenda, reinforcing the commitment of Gov. Aris Aumentado to open governance and effective public service delivery. (PiMO/JFP)
