Dumaguete City – The Regional Association of Development Information Officer – VII (RADIO – 7) successfully held its 26th regional convention with its theme “Communicating the Government’s Peace Agenda to push for Sustainable Tourism Development “on September 4-6, 2024 at Bethel Hotel and Negros Oriental Convention Center in this city.

RADIO-7 is the umbrella organization of five public information officer associations in Central Visayas, namely, the Association of Negros Oriental Public Information Officers (ANOPIO), Cebu Association of City and Municipal Public Information Officers (CAOCAMPIO), Association of United Development Information Officers in Bohol (AUDIO-Bohol), Siquijor Association of Information Disseminators (SAID), and Association of Government Information Officers in Region 7 (AGIO-7).

The event was joined by information officers and tourism officers from the different local government units in the region for the three-day regional conference of government communicators. The convention highlighted the government’s peace agenda and sustainable tourism efforts in the region.

One of the convention’s highlights is the election of RADIO-7 officers. Agricultural Training Institute – VII (ATI-7) Information Officer Doris Isabel J. Racho, DM currently the AUDIO-Bohol President is elected as the President of the RADIO-7. Joining her as newly elected officers were Alvin Duazo (CAOCAMPIO) as Vice President; Zarline Sambas (Audio-Bohol) as Secretary; Margaux Dela Paz (AGIO-7) as Treasurer; Imee Taer Tapon (Audio-Bohol) as Auditor; and Mary Ann Dimabayao (AGIO-7) as the Press Relations Officer.

The convention aims to exchange insights on effectively communicating development programs and projects. The discussions focused on the critical role of information officers in disseminating timely, accurate, and relevant information that empowers communities.

“I stand before you today with a profound sense of responsibility and determination to serve every one of you with integrity, compassion, and dedication,” Dr. Racho said in her acceptance speech. “As we move forward, remember that our strength lies in unity, diversity, and unwavering commitment. Together, we can overcome any obstacle and achieve greatness. So let us join hands, work together, and write the next chapter of RADIO 7,” she added.

Administering the oath-taking is Gov. Manuel Sagarbarria as Negros Oriental is the host province for this year’s convention.