Highlighting accurate information as vital as physical relief during emergencies, Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose V. Lacson cautioned government communicators that speed must never compromise truth when lives are on the line.
Speaking at the Information Officers’ Provincial Summit 2026 on Tuesday, September 15, at Roy’s Hotel in Bacolod City, Lacson stressed that public trust in government during a crisis hinges on delivering verified, reliable data to local communities before, during, and after disasters.
The event was jointly organized by the Philippine Information Agency Negros Island Region (PIA NIR) and the Provincial Information Office (PIO) of Negros Occidental.
Lacson noted that while equipment, infrastructure, and response teams are essential during calamities, a reliable communication system must be established long before disaster strikes.
He cautioned information officers against rushing unverified reports to the public, warning that misinformation can severely undermine public trust in government institutions.
“In such situations, there is a strong pressure to provide information,” Lacson said, “but our responsibility is not simply to be first. We must also be right… During a calamity, the last thing we need is confusion caused by unverified reports.”
He added that delayed, unclear, or incorrect information directly impairs citizens’ ability to make life-saving decisions when seconds count.
The governor also emphasized the importance of local context, noting that coastal communities and upland barangays face distinct risks during emergency events.
Because local information officers best understand their community dynamics and effective communication channels, he urged them to maintain deep grassroots ties while collaborating closely with relevant agencies, including disaster risk management offices, health personnel, social welfare teams, and first responders.
“A crisis is not the time to begin establishing these relationships,” Lacson emphasized, calling for clear, established workflows regarding information verification and authority prior to any emergency.
The summit brought together information officers from cities and municipalities across Negros Occidental, including barangay information officers, national government agencies, and local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) officers.
Welcoming the participants, Negros Occidental Provincial Administrator Rayfrando Diaz II underscored the importance of strengthening coordination and communication among information officers and disaster response personnel to ensure that communities receive the right information when they need it most.
Among the featured speakers were PIA Director General Undersecretary Katherine Chloe S. De Castro, ABS-CBN News and Current Affairs Chief of Reporters Jef Canoy, Digicast Negros News Chief Romeo Subaldo, Teresita L. Jalandoni Provincial Hospital Nurse II Janine Jambaro, and Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office head Bel Ploteña.
Also present were PIA VI Head and concurrent NIR head Cheryl Amor, PIA Assistant Regional Director Easter Anne Doza, and Provincial Public Information Office head Charina Magallanes-Tan.*
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