ILOILO CITY — The Provincial Government of Benguet visited the Iloilo Provincial Capitol on August 4, 2026 to study Iloilo’s public information and community affairs model. The delegation aimed to gather insights that will help shape Benguet’s own Public Information Office ordinance and the creation of a permanent information officer position.
A Study Visit for Legislative Progress
Benguet Board Members Lady Charmaine Molintas‑Likigan, Ruben Tinda‑an, and Meica Cayat led the delegation. They represented the Sangguniang Panlalawigan Committee on Information and Communications Technology and Science and Technology. The three officials sought to understand how Iloilo structured its communication systems to serve both urban and rural communities effectively.
Vice Governor Lee Ann Debuque welcomed the visitors on behalf of Governor Arthur Defensor Jr. She expressed Iloilo’s openness to sharing knowledge that strengthens local governance. The meeting set a collaborative tone, with both provinces recognizing the value of transparent public information in building trust between citizens and government.
Iloilo’s Award‑Winning Information Office
The Iloilo Public Information and Community Affairs Office (PICAO) briefed the Benguet team on its operational structure, flagship programs, and digital outreach strategies. PICAO has been repeatedly recognized as the Best Performing Information Office in Western Visayas by the Philippine Information Agency. Its primary social media platform, Balita Halin sa Kapitolyo, ranks among the region’s top government digital channels.
The office manages grassroots programs like the Barangay Information Officers Edu‑Cademy, which trains community leaders in media literacy and cybersecurity. It also runs the Hinun‑anon sa Barangay town‑hall series that brings government services directly to remote villages. Benguet officials studied these frameworks closely, noting how a dedicated information office can bridge gaps between the Capitol and far‑flung barangays.
Youth Leaders Witness Governance in Action
The benchmarking session coincided with Iloilo’s Linggo ng Kabataan celebrations, allowing student leaders to participate. Boy Governor Roniel John R. Figeroa of Alimodian National Comprehensive High School and Girl Vice Governor Pia B. Ladrillo of Barotac Viejo National High School joined the knowledge‑sharing activity. Their presence gave Benguet delegates a glimpse of how Iloilo integrates youth into public administration.
The young officials observed the exchange, gaining firsthand exposure to inter‑provincial governance and policy development. Their inclusion underscored Iloilo’s commitment to nurturing future public servants. For the Benguet team, it demonstrated how youth engagement can be embedded into a province’s communication and governance framework.
A Cultural Exchange to Strengthen Ties
After the formal briefing, the Benguet delegates toured the Iloilo Provincial Capitol, a historic landmark that reflects the province’s rich heritage. The visit concluded at the National Museum of the Philippines – Iloilo, where the team explored exhibits on Western Visayan history and culture. This cultural immersion complemented the technical learning, deepening the connection between the two provinces.
The benchmarking trip marks Benguet’s concrete step toward professionalizing its public information services. By drawing on Iloilo’s experience, the province aims to build a communication office that is responsive, transparent, and community‑centered.
