MANILA – With less than a month remaining, the Presidential Communications Operations Office clinched another recognition for its innovation in delivering information to the public and in engaging with local and international media partners.
This time, “The Virtual Presser” bagged an award in the Communications Management Division – Media Relations category at the 19th Philippine Quill Awards.
“This award recognizes our efforts in innovating our program not just for the Filipino people, but also for our media partners in the country and across the globe. The Virtual Presser allows our borderless interaction with the government, and local and international media,” PCOO Secretary Martin Andanar said.
Secretary Andanar also added that the Virtual Presser serves as a conduit to fill the gap between the Philippine government and the media and as an avenue to respond to pressing issues in the country relevant to the international stage.
“It is the fastest and cheapest way to interact with the international media based abroad. It helped prevent disinformation and misconceptions on our government policies and actions,” he said.
This brainchild of the PCOO Global Media and Public Affairs (OGMPA) was launched in 2018 in partnership with the Radio Television Malacañang (RTVM) as an interactive online video platform where the Philippine government engages with the international media to promote priority policy messages.
“It is an innovation ahead of its time. This program has been pivotal most especially during the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 when the conduct of face-to-face press conferences and briefings were not allowed,” Assistant Secretary for Global Media and Public Affairs JV Arcena said.
Assistant Secretary Arcena, who is also the host and creator of the program, pointed out that this media engagement innovation was also repurposed for many other virtual pressers from other national government agencies during the pandemic.
In this year’s Philippine Quill Awards, the program bested 800 entries in the country. This awards program honors the best communications programs, tools, and research projects across various industries.
To note, the Philippine Quill Awards is organized by the International Association of Business Communicators – Philippines, an association of top business, industrial, and organization communicators and professionals.
IABC Philippines supports the highest professional standards and practice of exceptional quality and innovation in the organization and business communication. It advocates for continued professional growth and learning and communication excellence, linking practitioners in the Philippines with colleagues and practices worldwide.
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