UNVEILING OF PIA-CAR BUILDING MARKER, DEDICATED TO CORDILLERA
(Top Photo) The ceremonial unveiling of the PIA-CAR Building Marker was graced by Philippine Information Agency Director General Jose Torres Jr., PIA-CAR Regional Director Helen R. Tibaldo, DENR Regional Director Ralph Pablo, DPWH-CAR Regional Director Engr. Khadaffy Tanggol, Mrs. Soledad Go, Presidential Assistant USec. for the Cordillera Tony Boy Tabora, Councilor Arthur Allad-iw held at the DPS Compound, Baguio City on August 22, 2024. Photos by: Mario Oclaman //FNS
Tears of Joy
In the statement of PIA-CAR RD Tibaldo, she felt tears of joy, she was delighted because, during the 35 years of their journey, they have gone through many trials in their position as a carrier of information since the establishment of the Philippine Information Agency in Baguio.
PIA-CAR Director Tibaldo thanked the guests, and its partners in various government agencies and private institutions.
“As we unveil the marker of our very own we reflect on the journey that brought us to this moment.
Finally, It’s a celebration of resilience, dedication, and the collective efforts of our PIA leaders, partners, allies, friends, and continuing constructive criticism,”
PIA-CAR Journey
In 1987, President Corazon Aquino signed EO 220, paving the way for the establishment of the Cordillera Administrative Region. This journey was further solidified on September 23, 1987, when President Aquino signed Administrative Order 36, laying the foundation for regional offices in the Cordillera Region where PIA-CAR was among the first to establish its regional and provincial offices.
The PIA journey spans seven rented spaces, overcoming challenges at every juncture.
From the first office at Old City Auditorium to Concepcion Bldg at Otek St., to Lopez Bldg. across City Hall, to Insular Life, to Cordillera House of Lualhati Barangay across The Mansion House then back to Insular Life and Brookside.
Now in a rent-free home, a building was realized in August 2023 and implemented by DPWH-BCDEO, and a lot was acquired under the name of the Philippine Information Agency from the DENR.
In addition, proudly introducing the first PIA provincial infocen building in the country – the PIA Kalinga – through congressional funds from Rep. Allen Jesse Mangaoang.
Amid organizational, geographical, and political challenges, PIA-CAR emerged united, guided by its core strategic themes as professional communicators, integrators, and facilitators, enablers, and institution-builders in Development Communication. As adaptive managers of change and transformational leaders committed to excellence, each struggle has forged us into a region of strength, with civil servants bound by a shared purpose.
We converge – the seasoned, those transitioning, and the youth – all embodying one PIA Cordillera.
Grateful for the earned scars, proof of our resilience, we count blessings, growing in faith and love for God.
Allot budget for completion of PIA-CAR
In Congressman Mark Go’s message, Mrs. Sol Go offers heartfelt congratulations on the completion of Phase 1 of the PIA-CAR Building and the allotment of the budget for its implementation by 2025.
Message and support from the Media
BCBC President Thomas F. Picaña, KBP Baguio-Benguet President Rico John Ferrer, and SSS Media Affairs Department Christian Andrew Rillorta also expressed messages and support.
InfoCen Manager, PIA-CAR Redjie Melvic Cawis introduced the Keynote Speaker, no other than the Director General of PIA Mr. Jose A. Torres Jr.
PIA-CAR Building Structure
Assistant Regional Head, PIA-CAR Juliet D. Pilotin explained the structure of the PIA-CAR building
“The PIA-CAR building based on the master plan is a 5-Star structure at ang natapos pa lang ay ang Ground floor, 2nd floor, and part of 3rd floor.
Supposedly this PIA-CAR Building has an Information Center that is One Stop Shop, Communication Hub, People Communication Center, and the Training Center, we are hopeful that the commitment of Congressman Go, and the support of the DPWH-CAR and the Baguio City District Engineering Office will realize the full vision, the full PIA Building as our master plan very soon, hopefully by the end of year 2025 or early 2026 we will gather here again for the inauguration of a completed PIA-CAR Building,” Pilotin said. # Mario Oclaman// FNS
