By Eva C. Visperas

 

I watched the confirmation of the appointment of Mr. Dhobie de Guzman as the new Provincial Information Officer (PIO) of the provincial government of Pangasinan during the regular session of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP).

I must confess I really don’t know him from Adam. I only used to watch him as an anchor of TV Patrol North Luzon/TV Patrol Baguio many years ago.

Recall that when Gov. Mon-mon Guico assumed his post as the top chief executive of Pangasinan, he didn’t yet have a PIO.  Of course, there were some ‘Marites’ who insist that “someone” is directing the PIO work, but there was no appointed PIO to talk to.

At that time, I was still with the Dagupan City government, from July 2022 until February 2023 and returned to media work in this paper, back to my “real love”.

It was then when I heard rumors that former TV Patrol Dagupan’s ace anchorman, Cris Zuñiga, was taking the helm of the PIO. Perhaps it was because, he was often seen then working with PIO staff.

That was, however, short-lived. Dhobie then surfaced to lead the PIO.

Monday, May 22 was the day of reckoning for Dhobie, his much-awaited confirmation as the Guico administration’s PIO. I was seated beside him at the gallery before he was called to the area where SP guests sit before their session starts.

“Are you feeling nervous, sir?” I asked Dhobie. He replied with a nod. I knew his mind was wandering. He was visibly anxious.

I told him to just relax, as I have been covering the Sangguniang Panlalawigan sessions for three decades already, and I assured him that this current batch is friendly, compared to warring groups in the past.

When asked about his qualifications by some members of the board, Dhobie, in his dapper barong tagalog attire, spoke calmly, composed and eloquently in English.

Except for his residence, being a known Baguio boy, no other relevant issue was raised against him. Dhobie said he was born and raised in Barangay Balligi, Laoac and still visits his Pangasinan home twice or thrice a week (daw)!

After his confirmation, I pray for big changes to see at the PIO.

Hopefully, delivery of news reports about provincial government’s affairs/activities will improve. Timeliness makes a big difference. Bawal ang balitang panis!

Let’s have more press conferences/interviews. Let us tear down the wall that divides maka-Guico and maka-Espino media. Let the two groups fight for who they believe is the better guy in the next election but for now, let’s be one for Pangasinan.

In the past, only a selected few had access to the powers that be and were given exclusive access to official functions of the provincial government.

I hope this time, no more political colors. There is a right time for that.

Besides, the governor is known to be a good unifying leader, right? Look at the mayors and board members who used to belong to the other political fence. They are all (except for one or only two) united now.

Also, Dhobie must remind our top officials to be broadminded and welcome constructive criticisms. Bawal ang pikon. Just answer the issues squarely. Hindi pwedeng laging alleluia! Be more patient in dealing with all kinds of mediamen-the good, the bad, and ugly (attitude and style).

So, welcome to the other side of the news, Mr. PIO!

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