The Philippine Information Agency (PIA) and the Presidential Broadcast Service (PBS) signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) on Wednesday, March 20, to launch a radio program promoting media and information literacy and the government’s “Bagong Pilipinas” (New Philippines) branding.
PIA Director-General Jose A. Torres Jr. expressed gratitude to PBS Director-General Rizal Giovanni “Bong” Aportadera for accommodating their request. The program, starting April 3, will air live on Radyo Pilipinas 1 (RP 1) and be simulcast on four other government channels, reaching a nationwide audience. It will also be carried by other Radyo Pilipinas 1 (RP 1) affiliate stations across the country.
DZRB, on-air as Radyo Pilipinas Uno or RP1 News, is a radio station owned and operated by the Presidential Broadcast Service, an attached agency under the Presidential Communications Office. It serves as the flagship station of the Radyo Pilipinas network.
The PIA has an important role in sharing information about government programs, projects, and services with the Filipino public with the goal of improving people’s quality of life and empowering them to participate in the country’s democratic processes.
The PIA is also the only government information network that can reach grassroots communities across the country. With 16 regional offices and 78 provincial information centers, it is the chief source of information from the government down to the local level.
PIA also acts as a PR firm for communication campaigns requested by the Office of the President, national government agencies, local government units, government corporations and financial institutions, special committees/councils, government task forces, and others.
“This MOA formalizes our collaboration in promoting media and information literacy alongside the Bagong Pilipinas initiative,” Torres said.
Aportadera welcomed PIA back to the airwaves, highlighting Torres’ natural broadcasting ability. He assured smooth planning for the program, which will launch after Holy Week.
“The program will be live not only on RP 1, but also on our free TV channels, in cooperation with PTV,” Aportadera explained. “This collaboration extends to live broadcasts of PIA’s new radio show on our digital channel, similar to how PTV4 carries Radyo Pilipinas programs.”
He further emphasized that the program will be carried not just by RP 1 but also by the 28 Radyo Pilipinas stations nationwide.
“This MOA signifies a stronger collaboration between attached agencies under the current administration,” Aportadera said. “These partnerships are crucial as they allow us to fulfill our collective mandate of informing and entertaining the public.”
Aportadera concluded by expressing support for the program’s growth and pledging to extend all necessary resources for its success.