PRO7 APEC Task Force Group Undergo Communication Development Seminar

(PIA-7) — Security Task Force Group of the Police Regional Office (PRO7) underwent a three day Communication Development Seminar in preparation for the upcoming Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) 2015 Summit.

More than 50 officials and commissioned officers from the four provinces of Central Visayas participated in the seminar held at Camp Sergio Osmena.

Police Community Relations Division head PSupt Marciano Batiancila said the training is aimed to enhance the communication skills of the police officers to that they can effectively deal with the participants of the summit.

Tapping the services of the Philippine Information Agency – Cebu , the group were taught essentials on Public Speaking and Media Relations.

PSupt Remigio Sedanto, of PCRG Camp Crame said the activity is necessary for the policemen considering that the majority of the event is conducted here in Cebu.

“Our PNP must know how to act well in dealing with the delegates, in dealing with the media and all the other sectors,” Sedanto said.

PIA Cebu Infocen Manager Rachelle Nessia, reminded the participants on certain bodily gestures that shows confidence when one is speaking with delegates and visitors.

In Media Relations, PIA Cebu Information Officer Ferliza Contratista explained to them the nature of media. “The police and media may have different means but have the same aim which is to serve, a harmonious relationship is beneficial to the public,” Contratista said.

Over a hundred media from Cebu, national and international are expected to cover the various events of APEC from August 21 to September 14.

During the workshop, members of the Defense and Police Press Corps (DEPP) actual reporters were prepsent during the simulation exercises. DEPP are composed of the reporters from the different media organizations in Cebu covering the police beat.

Towards the end, DEPP members gave out tips to the police on how they can co exist and have a “partner” relationship.

“Speak in the dialect if being interviewed by a local reporter and specially if its an emergency scenario,” according to DEPP Vice President Arnold Bustamante of CCTN and DyHP.

On the other hand, King Anthony Perez of TV5 also reminded them about telephone etiquette. “We always understand terms such as ongoing operation, we just want initial details, so just be polite in saying that’s all you have to report for now,” Perez said.

PO3 Janice Tamayo of Station 3 Cebu City Police Office said, one of the ways of establishing good relationship with media is to let them understand also how the police works.

“We also learn that we get their respect and trust when we feed them, with the right information since they are also pressured to report on time,” Tamayo said.

There are expected more than a hundred media from Cebu, national and international that will cover the various events of APEC from August 21 to September 14.

The Philippines will host APEC 2015, a series of over a hundred meetings that culminates in the Leaders’ Summit in Manila on November 18-19. The hosting is in fulfillment of the country’s commitment as a member economy and at the same time raises its stature in the international community. (mbcn/FCC/PIA7-Cebu)