Communication is vital to building a Strong Republic

Thus, the Philippine government operates a nationwide institution established to respond to the information needs of the citizenry.

This institution is the PHILIPPINE INFORMATION AGENCY,created in 1986 by virtue of Executive Order 100 signed by former President Corazon C. Aquino.

Vision

A well-informed citizenry able to understand, discuss, and vote on vital issues propelling the nation toward lasting peace and development.

Mission

To provide people with adequate information to help them to make better decisions and identify opportunities that could improve their quality of life.

Functions

- Maintains information centers in the regions and in the provinces

- Plans and carries out national information programs

- Assists other government agencies in carrying out their communication and information projects

- Determines information needs of the people

- Professionalizes government information officers, communicators, and other media personnel through training and skill enhancement programs

- Supports the development of indigenous media and of communication capability and technology

Regional Offices

There are 15 PIA Regional Offices nationwide, mostly located in capital cities or capital towns in the regions. Each Regional Office is supervised by a Regional Head.

Functions:

- implement policies, plans, and programs of the Agency in the area;

- provide economical, efficient, and effective information services to target publics;

- coordinate with and assist regional offices of other government agencies in the planning and implementation of programs; and

- supervise and provide support to Information Centers located in the provinces in the area.

The Regional Offices directly communicate with the Media Infrastructure and Regional Operations Division at the Central Office.

Information Centers

There are 48 Information Centers and 27 extension offices scattered all over the Philippines. They make up thedissemination and distribution network of the PIA. These are headed by Information Center managers.

Usually located in the capital town of a province, an Information Center plans and implements information programsin support of government development thrusts in the provincial level.

Functions:

- organizes, mobilizes, supervises, and sustains operations of the Community Development Information Centers (CDICs) in the area;

- provides the public with accurate, timely, and relevant information through print and broadcast;

- provides public information assistance through referrals to concerned government agencies and nongovernment organizations;

- gathers feedback on people's attitudes, beliefs, values on government policies, programs, and projects, their needs and other matters affecting public life;

- serves as the distribution center of information-communication-education (IEC) materials;

- provides reference library services;

- conducts communication skills trainings; and

- provides and condeucts audio-visual services on government programs and projects.

An Information Center also serves as venue for conferences, dialogues, fora, trainings, and seminars of government and nongovernment agencies.