Innovation starts with a heart  that cares, says DG Oquinena

By Alma L. Tingcang

MAKATI CITY - “Do we need more trainings or do we need more inspiration? Do we need more workshop or do we need to build our relationship stronger?”

These were the questions posed by PIA Director General Jose Mari M. Oquinena to some 71 information center managers (ICMs) who attended the 2014 ICMs’ conference in Makati City recently.

He lauded the information officers for being agents of change who need to strike a balance between the mind and the heart.

“Being with PIA for one year and six months, you changed the way I looked at government and government employees. You guys never give up. You are made of the same stuff,” he said.

He cited the dedication of information officers in their work, given the limited resources of the agency yet still deliver more than what is expected and doing media coverage  even at the height of typhoons and whatever incidents which put their lives in danger.

Highlighting the conference was the PRAISE Awards giving recognition to PIA employees who have rendered considerable years of service.

“The PRAISE awards is not something to brag about, but our achievements should inspire and encourage us. Continue to widen your perspective as info officers,” Oquinena said.

Even after the term of President Benigno C. Aquino III, the landscape of communication is changing and citizens now openly express their views, wanting to be heard. In one click, you will reach thousands through social media.

He called on them to be servant leaders and not to stick on old ways but to innovate. “Never be afraid to fail. If you’ve never failed, you never tried anything new,” he quoted, telling them to spend more time with their children who use social media frequently and be updated with new trends.

“As we live in a world which is so fast moving, we should move in two ways, from being information to formation and inspiration,” the DG advised saying we could also be called Philippine Inspiration Agency through the stories we write the good things we do for others.

He shared that in UK, flexi time is already being implemented. “As long as you complete your minimum number of working hours, you can adjust. So they have time to bring their children to school, bring them home, prepare their food and feed them before going back for work after they have settled.” People become very productive in this set-up, according to DG Mari.

“If we live in a rigid world,  mahirap yun (it’s hard) especially for information officers. You can’t be in a rigid world. You also need to fulfill your dreams,” the PIA chief who is very family-oriented concluded. (PIA) (080514)