Danao City Holds Crisis Comms Workshop

The Public Information Office (PIO) of Danao City recently held a two-day planning and workshop and team building activity to ensure the effective flow of internal communications in the local government unit.

The activity gathered 31 Public Information Associates (PIAs) and 12 department heads of Danao City government on Feb. 21-22, 2019 where they learned about crisis communications on the second day.

According to Michelle Mondigo, Danao City Public Information Officer, the training aimed to familiarise key personnel in the city government on crisis communications and how to identify and address issues in the workplace to avoid potential crises.

“We observed that there are internal issues and struggles that have not been resolved fully so we need to update our commitment in the city government. For crisis communications, I’ve seen that most offices are having difficulties in addressing crisis,” said Mondigo.

She emphasized the importance of an improved communication flow and coordination between and among the departments and the PIO to create a strong support system.

“Department heads are the planners while the PIAs are the communicators. Training both will improve the LGU. When crisis is communicated and managed properly, the unit will succeed,” Mondigo added.

The briefing on crisis communications was handled by Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Cebu Manager Rachelle Nessia who discussed the importance of a crisis communications plan and how organisations should respond to crisis, especially in the first 24 hours.

Danao City has been recognized by PIA Cebu for being the first LGU in Cebu to create a network of Public Information Associates composed of one representative from each department who acts as the PIO’s “force multiplier.” (rmn)