LION Officers Unite to Strengthen Information Network and Combat Fake News

The Laguna Information Officers Network (LION) gathered on Wednesday, August 20, for a strategic meeting aimed at consolidating its ranks and reinforcing its mission to fight the spread of fake news and misinformation—an urgent challenge in today’s digital landscape.

During the session, members outlined a series of initiatives designed to strengthen grassroots information dissemination. Among the proposals was the establishment of Barangay Information Offices (BIOs), with existing models in select towns serving as templates for other municipalities. Recognizing that barangays are the community’s first line of communication, LION committed to equipping BIOs with proper training and resources to effectively deliver accurate information and counter false narratives.

The meeting also finalized plans for LION’s upcoming oath-taking ceremony with Laguna Governor Sol Aragones this September. The City Government of Cabuyao, through its information officer and LION president Aristotle Mane, has offered to host the event, where Governor Aragones will administer the Oath of Office.

To strengthen coordination, LION agreed to hold monthly meetings every last Wednesday of the month, rotating venues across municipalities. The body also adopted by-laws from Batangas and Rizal as a working framework to guide accreditation and operations.

Aligned with Governor Aragones’ advocacy for empowered “citizen patrols” at the barangay level, all municipalities were tasked to identify their Barangay IOs for upcoming workshops and trainings. Reports noted progress in Majayjay, while Public Information Officers from San Pedro, Los Baños, and Liliw emphasized the need for stronger Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) support to formalize designations.

To enhance members’ technical skills, LION confirmed its participation in a seven-hour Zoom training organized by the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) on September 10. The training will focus on effective writing, publication design, and social media management. Members also agreed to expand coverage of local festivals beginning next year and raised proposals for province-wide initiatives, including a Laguna radio station, municipal radio programs, and a verification system to boost online credibility.

Through these programs, LION aims to build stronger connections between local governments and their constituents, guided by the leadership of Governor Sol Aragones and a shared commitment to accurate, timely, and reliable public information.