APD | Chinese government assistance to PCOO seen to improve news and information delivery

By APD writer Melo M. Acuña

MANILA, Dec. 11 (APD) – The Chinese government’s assistance to the Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) is considered very significant as it will enhance delivery of news and information across the country. The assistance amounts to at least P 152 million.

In an exclusive interview, PCOO Secretary Martin Marfori Andanar said if his agency would rely on government appropriations alone, it will take time to improve their facilities.

“Under the Radio Rehab program, we are to improve 22 radio stations after China’s donations improved three radio stations in Calbayog, Butuan and Cagayan de Oro cities,” he said. He added the donations are in equipment and not limited to radio stations.

Part of the donations have been programmed for the PCOO, Philippines News Agency and the Office of the Secretary. A significant part of the donations, P 130 million are for the rehabilitation of ten radio studios and at least four transmitters thereby allowing the Philippine government to realign or invest the resources in other media platforms. They have also programmed the next project for the state-owned radio station in Tandag, Surigao del Sur by early next year.

Asked what programs PCOO will deliver by 2020, Secretary Andanar said they will soon unveil the state-of-the-art media hub in Mindanao which is capable in competing with other privately-owned media outfits. With enough funds, they will also build another state-of-the-art media hub in Cebu to serve the news requirements of at least three other regions, Eastern, Central and Western Visayas.

“We will soon have the first Government Strategic Communications Academy in Manolo Fortich in Bukidnon province, it’s the first media academy for local, regional and national information officers,” Secretary Andanar said. Asked how he came up with the idea, he said he was inspired by the way the Chinese government has focused its attention to strategic communications.

During the same interview, Secretary Andanar said his office has already established, if not strengthened relations with countries in terms of communications and news exchange with China, Russia, Hungary and both ASEAN and Asian countries.

(ASIA PACIFIC DAILY)