SOUTH COTABATO, September 6, 2022 – More field implementation stories can now be learned in Region 12 as Department of Agriculture –  Special Area for Agricultural Development (DA-SAAD) implementers take the Technical Writing and Photojournalism workshop on August 30 and 31, 2022.

The training was attended by the Project Evaluation Officers (PEOs) from the three provinces – Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, and Sarangani together with the representatives from other DA programs –  Kabuhayan at Kaunlaran ng Kababayang Katutubo (4Ks), Adaptation and Mitigation Initiative in Agriculture (AMIA), Balik Probinsya, Bagong Pag-Asa (BP2), and Farm and Fisheries Clustering and Consolidation (F2C2). 

The activity was led by the Regional SAAD Focal Person Engineer Julie Mie Y. Belongan, who emphasized the vital role of the PEOs in placing facts and figures clearly and concisely in a press release.

On the first day, Ms. Francine Ciasico, NPMO Communication Development Officer II, discussed Technical Writing and its components, while the Press Release Writing was explained thoroughly by Ms. Jessa Mae Gabon, the NPMO Head of Public Relations and Communication Unit. 

On the second day, Mr. Ray Bart Manoguid, NPMO Associate Project Officer (APO) I presented his expertise in the field of photography, tackling the fundamental elements of visual literacy. This aims to accurately represent significant SAAD news, stories, and people in Mindanao, along with visually compelling photos.

To sum it up, Ms. Jennifer Valcobero, also an NPMO APO I, talked about how the region should maintain its image and reputation through a consistent series of public relations efforts, emphasizing the importance of documenting newsworthy stories that transpired in the regional and provincial areas.

A series of individual interactions, discussions, and workshops was done to test the participants’ ability to apply what they have learned on the said topics. The knowledge acquired in this training will help the regional and provincial staff improve their technical communication skills and be able to write informative reports that are both clear and concise. 

Moreover, to contribute to the primary accomplishment of the regional communication unit, information point persons per province were identified for smooth transmission and crafting of stories and progress in the region. ###

Writers:
Jennifer Valcobero, DA-SAAD NPMO Information Officer
Anabell F. Llemit, DA-SAAD 12 Administrative Assistant III

Photos by: Ray Bart Manoguid, DA-SAAD NPMO Information Officer