Misamis Oriental: The provincial government of Misamis Oriental and the city government of Cagayan de Oro have expressed their support for the empowerment of barangay (village) information officers (BIOs). The initiative aims to enhance the dissemination of accurate information regarding government programs and services throughout the region. According to Philippines News Agency, during the Bagong Pilipinas Barangay Information Officers Network (BION) event held on Thursday, Misamis Oriental Information Office Consultant Roy Waga emphasized the critical role of BIOs. He highlighted their importance in promoting government initiatives such as the province's plan to achieve a single-digit poverty incidence. Waga reiterated the message from Governor Peter Unabia, stating, "Our BIOs are crucial in bridging the gap between the government and our communities, ensuring that vital information reaches every corner of our province." City Administrator Roy Hilario Raagas also underscored the significance of BION in co nnecting local communities with the national government to ensure timely and relevant communication. Approximately 400 BIOs from Cagayan de Oro and Misamis Oriental attended the event, which was organized by the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) through the Philippine Information Agency (PIA). PCO Assistant Secretary for Cultural Affairs and International Engagements Rowena Hidalgo-Otida highlighted the network's role in fostering communication and community involvement under President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s administration. She remarked, "It [the Bagong Pilipinas brand of governance] is about trusting the government for leadership while also accepting the citizen's role in the program. It is setting excellence as the goal in personal, community, and national life." The event received support from the Philippine News Agency and Radyo Pilipinas, which participated in the gathering.