PARTNERSHIP. Communication Secretary Martin M. Andanar poses with professors of Xavier University in Cagayan de Oro City on Sept. 9, 2019. The Presidential Communications Operations Office is eyeing a possible partnership with Xavier University on the plan to establish a strategic government communication academy in Northern Mindanao. (Photo courtesy of PCOO)
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY -- The Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) is eyeing a possible partnership with Xavier University on the plan to establish a strategic government communication academy in Northern Mindanao.
As the Cabinet Officer for Regional Development and Security for Region 10 (Northern Mindanao), Communication Secretary Martin Andanar offered to collaborate with the university in creating a program to intensify literacy efforts and provide immersion opportunities to students.
“As an (alumnus), I would like to reach out (and extend) any assistance I can give while I am here, by means of paying forward, for this institution and the students as well,” Andanar said as he briefed Xavier’s key heads on the proposed training facility during a recent meeting.
He said his interest in becoming a media man began at Xavier University.
The strategic communication training facility, planned to be set up in Bukidnon province, seeks to capacitate government information officers on effective information dissemination and public relations.
The budget plan for the training academy is already approved in principle by the departments of finance and budget, Andanar said, adding that the academy can also be a venue for development communication students to harness their skills and acquire exposure and knowledge in the field.
“LGUs (local government units) are not open to media. They don't have communication strategies. That is why strat comm is open for them. A short course is given to them,” he said in a news release issued Tuesday.
According to the PCOO chief, the building will house its own community television and radio stations, and local counterparts of the Philippine News Agency (PNA) and the Philippine Information Agency. A dormitory will also be constructed beside it to cater to its employees.
He further said that the PCOO will explore a possible cooperation with Xavier University in their “PeaceKwela” campaign, which is designed to actively engage junior high school students in activities promoting peace in Mindanao.
PeaceKwela is an offshoot campaign of “I am Mindanao”, a movement seeking to “educate college students in Cagayan de Oro on violent extremism in Mindanao, strengthen their sense of pride as Mindanawons, (and) likewise empower them to take part in countering violent extremism.”
“We can create a program that we can work (on) together,” Andanar said.
Xavier University professor Juliet Dalagan welcomed the proposal saying, “We can collaborate in the future. We can look at our curriculum in DevComm for possible tie-ups.”
“It’s good to connect with the academe. Thank you for coming here. We are looking forward to a good collaboration with XU,” she said.
College Dean Maria Rosario Mosqueda, meanwhile, said that the courses should focus on development concerns aside from those in commercial media. (PR)
