Bangsamoro Information Office (BIO) Executive Director Ameen Andrew Alonto receives set of media protective equipment from The Asia Foundation (TAF) on May 17, 2024 in Cotabato City. (Michael Camsa/BIO)
COTABATO CITY—The Bangsamoro Information Office (BIO), the Bangsamoro Government’s information arm, received a set of media protective equipment from The Asia Foundation (TAF) on May 17, 2024.
The gear includes a Level 3A Concealed Vest (Soft Panel Plate), Level 3A Kevlar Helmet (Mich Helmet), Level 3A Kevlar Neck Protector, Rubberized Patch, and a Medical Kit.
This TAF project is part of Activate Bangsamoro Phase 3 (AB3), involving six Civil Society Organizations and three media institutions as implementing partners.
Accordingly, the project aims to help local journalists covering BARMM minimize their exposure to hazards, thereby safeguarding their health and safety.
BIO Executive Director Ameen Andrew Alonto expressed gratitude to all those involved in making this initiative a reality, including the dedicated team at TAF, the British Embassy, and the esteemed journalists and media partners on the ground.
“The distribution of protective equipment to our valued journalists and newsrooms is a tangible testament to our commitment to their safety and security,” Alonto said.
He added, “These essential tools will not only mitigate the risks of exposure to hazards but also serve as a beacon of support and solidarity from our collective efforts to safeguard their health and well-being.”
Meanwhile, the AB3 project has three main components: awareness raising through formal institutions, civil society outreach for active citizenship, and strengthening media freedom.
The project aims to promote active citizenry through proactive engagement with the new parliament, raise awareness of the newly passed Electoral Code, and educate voters on the 2025 Parliamentary Election, among other initiatives.
Moreover, the initiative covers the six BARMM provinces, 63 barangays in North Cotabato, and Cotabato City, supported and funded by the British Embassy in the Philippines. (Kasan Usop, Jr./BIO)
