Benguet eyes Iloilo model for public information office

By Mariela Angella Oladive

ILOILO CITY — Officials from the Provincial Government of Benguet visited the Iloilo Provincial Capitol on Tuesday to study Iloilo’s public information and community affairs programs as they prepare to establish their own Public Information Office.

The delegation included members of the Benguet Sangguniang Panlalawigan Committee on Information and Communications Technology and Science and Technology.

The group was composed of Board Members Lady Charmaine Molintas-Likigan, Ruben Tinda-an and Meica Cayat.

Iloilo Vice Gov. Lee Ann Debuque welcomed the delegation on behalf of Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr.

The Iloilo Provincial Government said the study visit was intended to provide insights for Benguet’s proposed Public Information Office ordinance.

The visit also aimed to guide the proposed creation of a public information officer position in Benguet.

During the benchmarking activity, the Iloilo Public Information and Community Affairs Office presented its organizational structure, communication strategies and key public information services.

The presentation highlighted Iloilo’s initiatives to strengthen government transparency, public engagement and the dissemination of official information.

Public information offices serve as communication links between local governments and residents by distributing government updates, explaining programs and responding to public information needs.

Also present during the knowledge-sharing session were Iloilo’s 2026 Boy and Girl Officials.

The youth officials were led by Boy Governor Roniel John R. Figueroa of Alimodian National Comprehensive High School and Girl Vice Governor Pia B. Ladrillo of Barotac Viejo National High School.

The Benguet delegation concluded its visit with a tour of the Iloilo Provincial Capitol and the National Museum of the Philippines–Iloilo.