The Bangsamoro Information Officers poses with Bobby Khan, Public Sector Lead at Google Cloud, Philippines, and Atty. Yves Gonzalez, Government Affairs and Public Policy head for the Philippines on June 21, 2023 during the BIO’s benchmarking activity in Taguig City. (Photo by Aladin Ido/BIO)
METRO MANILA—The Bangsamoro Information Office (BIO) recently made an engagement with tech giants—Google and Meta Platforms Inc.—to revolutionize communication strategies in the Bangsamoro Region.
With the aim of enhancing information dissemination and outreach, the BIO sought valuable insights and best practices from Google and Meta during a recent visit to their Philippine headquarters on June 21-22.
This benchmarking activity, supported by the European Union in the Philippines, through the Support to Bangsamoro Transition (SUBATRA) Programme, hopes to pave the way for improved communication and engagement across the region.
The BARMM information officers started the tour at Google Philippine headquarters.
Bobby Khan, Public Sector Lead at Google Cloud, Philippines, and Atty. Yves Gonzalez, Government Affairs and Public Policy head for the Philippines, shared insights into Google’s operations, the services they provide to various institutions, particularly in the Philippines, and their best practices in the company.
Khan said the foundation of organizational success is not solely based on technological prowess but also on a culture of innovation.
He further emphasized that innovation is not just a skill; it is a “core value” that can be embraced by everyone in an organization, regardless of their position.
Google is actively contributing to the transformation of the Philippines into a ‘Digital Philippines’, working together with the national government.
On the second day of benchmarking activity, the BARMM delegates visited Meta Platforms, Inc. Philippines and learned their best practices in assisting the government organizations and other institutions in effectively reaching their target audiences.
Abad Enriquez, a Learning and Development Specialist, also shared a lecture on online security and resiliency.
During the lecture, the importance of strong security measures to mitigate risks from phishing attacks, scams, cyberbullying, malware attacks, and unsecured devices, was emphasized.
The Meta Platforms, Inc., formerly named Facebook, Inc., and TheFacebook, Inc., is a company that specializes in developing technologies to facilitate connections in the metaverse and bring people closer together. The company owns Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, among other products and services.
Meanwhile, BIO Executive Director Ameen Andrew Alonto expressed his gratitude to the companies for welcoming the BARMM information team.
He believes that further improvements in digital communication practices are necessary to adapt to the constantly evolving landscape.
“The ultimate objective is empowering the people through information so that they can make informed decisions and take active roles in the progress and development of our region,” Alonto said.
The elected members of the Bangsamoro League of Information Officers (BLIO), including Mobarak Pandi from the Education Ministry, Manal Sugadol from the Public, Order, and Safety Ministry, Nureesa Phemeena Lynn Mambatawan from the Trade, Investment, and Tourism Ministry; and Saida Diocalono Ali from the Health Ministry, also participated in the benchmarking activity.
Additionally, to facilitate and supervise the activity, the group was joined by SUBATRA’s Project Administration Experts, Kieth Morgan and Samrah Karon, along with UNOPS Communications Senior Associate Kenny Nodalo. (Aisah Abas/Myrna Tepadan/BIO)
