TSH hosts third PIO Empowerment; student communicators build public trust, unity

To cultivate public trust, strengthen institutional ties, and master the art of responsible and purposeful communication, PHINMA University of Pangasinan Public Information Officers (PIOs), guests, and keynote speakers converged at the MBA Audio Visual Room on October 3, 2026, for the PIO Empowerment Year 3 seminar themed “Voices that Lead, Stories that Matter.”

“Lagi nating iisipin ‘yong pangalan ng ating konseho, ng ating organization sa lahat ng nire-release natin na mga contents, messaging, at posts,” stated Mr. Mark Barcelona, Ex-Officio Editor-in-Chief (EIC) of The Students’ Herald (TSH).

Mr. Barcelona introduced systematic information management practices, specifically advocating for the utilization of organizational Gantt charts to track assignments, deadlines, and task statuses.

“We are communicators here, we should know how to communicate hindi lang sa mga estudyante, sa ating target audiences, but also to have connection sa mga University PIOs natin,” said TSH EIC Mr. Clarenz Magalong about ‘What is PIO Empowerment’ and Integrated PIO.

Mr. Magalong asserted that the multifaceted role of PIOs extends far beyond merely drafting captions, publishing routine announcements, and answering incoming emails.

Life's Sound Society performed at the PIO Empowerment, and ice-breaker segments were held to foster interaction with the PIOs.

“As a PIO, you must have the courage to use your voice responsibly to communicate with truth, purpose, and integrity,” Ms. Jolina Gamboa, TSH adviser mentioned.

Focusing on media literacy and responsible information sharing, Ms. Denise Brillante of IFM Dagupan drew from her extensive field experience to guide the student writers.

Ms. Brillante underscored the critical importance of critically evaluating information and thoroughly verifying facts before disseminating them to the general public.

Ms. Airish Aquino, TSH Associate Editor for Print, advised the audience against treating the strategic PIO role like that of a commercial influencer, sensationalizing campus information, and using alienating jargon.

Moreover, Ms. Aquino introduced the structural ‘PIO Mindset’ urging officers to consistently consider the crucial 5Ws and 1H elements.

Interactive activities were conducted, such as 'Pass the Message' and identifying PIO interventions for major university issues, which were written on Manila paper and explained by representatives per group.

TSH expressed hope for the continuation of the initiative in its fourth year, looking forward to another gathering of student communicators who share the same commitment to purposeful communication, collaboration, and service.