PIO to streamline staff

CEBU, Philippines - The new head of the Provincial Information Office (PIO) is asking other departments of the Capitol to help her reconcile the transactions and disbursements made by the office during the previous administration.

Ethel Natera said she has asked the assistance of the Provincial Legal Office, Provincial Accountant’s Office and the Human Resource Department after her initial review of the documents showed discrepancies in the financial statements of the office.

Natera said she deems it important to reconcile available documents and financial statements of the department in line with her plan to streamline the organization of the PIO.

“Reorganize para maka-function og klaro ug para dili sad maglibog ang staff sa ila work and where they will report,” said Natera.

She added she had already stressed to her staff the importance of transparency and accountability.

The PIO has been under scrutiny in the past months due to the government-run cable channel, Sugbo TV, and the Provincial Governments’ official newsletter, Sugbo News.

The operation of the TV channel and newsletter were ordered stopped by then Acting Governor Agnes Magpale last December 2012 considering the high costs of both media outlets.

In February, both Sugbo TV and Sugbo News were rebranded and reintroduced as Cebu TV and Cebu Monthly, respectively.

Gov. Hilario Davide III had said that the fate of both media outlets rely on the recommendation of Natera.

Natera said she will consider in her recommendation Davide’s order that all departments should minimize expenses.

“The order was to minimize the expense but remain effective. We can still deliver the objective of our department,” said Natera. — (FREEMAN)