PIA Develops Strategic Communications Curriculum for PMA

Wazzup Pilipinas!

The Philippine Information Agency (PIA) and the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) explore areas of cooperation on developing a curriculum on communication and public information for the Academy.

In a meeting, PIA Director-General Harold Clavite presented the Agency’s programs and services, capabilities and networks anchored on the Philippine Information Highway, a flagship program of PIA that can be of help to the PMA.

He discussed two proposals- a short-term module on strategic communications and a curriculum on the National Strategy Management Program Major in Strategic Communications.

Clavite, who is also a board member of the Philippine Army’s multi-sector advisory board (MSAB), expressed his intent of institutionalizing the ongoing engagements of PIA with the military’s civil military operations across the country. The engagement of PIA and the Philippine Army was likewise strengthened in the information management and strategic communications support group of Task Force Bangon Marawi, headed by Clavite.

Dr. Joey Alagaran, head of the PIA’s Policy and Communication Research Division detailed the 54-hour course outline as to theories, concepts, processes and practices of Strategic Communications including national security administration.

On the proposed BS National Strategy Management Program, Alagaran identified the curriculum’s objectives to develop the cadets communication creativity, critical thinking and collaborative skill; equip them with decision making/implementation capabilities and engagement on Strategic Communications and integrate the knowledge and skills and discipline from their military program.

PMA Dean of Academics B/Gen. Cheston Valencerina cited the need for collaboration saying that communication is “winning the war by not firing a bullet.”

Clavite further emphasized the need for future military officers to be adept with the latest trends in strategic communications and multimedia strategies in the advent of increased usage of the internet and new media platforms.

Further exchanges of ideas and inputs ensued between the Academy’s faculty members and PIA regional heads present in the meeting.
Witnessed by Asst. Supt B/Gen. Nestor Florence DC Rayos and Commandant B/Gen. Bartolome Vicente Bacarro, the tie-up is hoped to be realized with the forging of a PIA-PMA Memorandum of Understanding this year.