Presidential Communications Secretary Martin Andanar and Singapore Minister of Communications and Information (MCI) Dr. Yaacob Ibrahim met on Thursday, December 15 in Singapore to explore opportunities for cooperative projects in the fields of media policy and information exchange, training and human resource development, co-production, and other mutual exchanges to improve bilateral relations between the two countries.

Accompanying Andanar was Dino A. C. Apolonio, president of government-owned and -run station PTV-4.

A Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the Philippines and Singapore in November 2007. Andanar is proposing to renew the MOU between the two countries.

Andanar acknowledged the high level of development of Singapore’s media industry, noting that over the years the country has been a destination of choice for some scholars and practitioners in serious pursuit of a media and communications career.

“The Philippines has much to learn from Singapore’s technology and is inspired by its goal to become a media hub in the region,” Andanar said.

Singapore’s MCI oversees the development of the information communication technology, cyber security, media and design sectors, the national library, national archives and public libraries, as well as the government’s information and public communication policies.

Mr. Ibrahim is a member of the governing People’s Action Party, and serves as Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs and Minister-in-charge of Cyber Security.

Andanar was a popular TV news anchor and commentator before he was appointed as Communications chief under the Duterte administration.

Under his supervision at present are the different agencies of communication involving news and information, and television and radio stations, namely the Philippine Information Agency, the Philippine News Agency, PTV-4, IBC-13, and the PBS-Radyo ng Bayan.

On top of Andanar’s agenda as he visits the information and communications arm of each of the governments in the region is to establish a system to make news and information accessible, fast, and accurate.

Andanar has always been fascinated by technology, and his stint in government service is opening doors for him to witness and study how neighbors in the ASEAN region are working hard within their constraints and limitations to achieve a level of success in communication.
                                    
“Our role is to be the reliable source of information on how government delivers its promises to the people, especially in line with President Duterte’s campaign against illegal drugs, corruption, and criminality,” Andanar said.

The Presidential Communications chief is planning ways to actualize the President’s vision to establish media hubs in Visayas and Mindanao for better public information and education.###MARO-CONTENT