AC gov’t official news program ‘Lingkod Bayan’ turns one

Posted on August 20, 2020 by Admin

ANGELES CITY – On August 20, the city government’s official news program ‘Lingkod Bayan,’ celebrated its first year of providing information and public service to all Angelenos.

Aired live via the official Facebook page of the Angeles City Information Office every Thursdays from 10 to 11 am, Lingkod Bayan’s primary purpose is to deliver accurate and informative news that will serve the needs of Angeleños. It aims to clarify matters of public concern that could have been manipulated by misinformation and disinformation, thus effectively stopping the spread of ‘fake news’ in the city.

According to Mayor Carmelo “Pogi” Lazatin, Jr., he wants the residents of Angeles City to be better informed, especially about the programs and services provided by the local government.

“Itong Lingkod Bayan, ginawa ito para sa mga kababayan natin, para malaman nila yung mga serbisyong pwede nilang makuha mula sa city government,” Lazatin said.

Aside from delivering updates and important announcements, Lingkod Bayan also invites representatives and heads of different departments of the city government, to highlight their respective events and services that can be availed by the public.

Harnessing the power of social media, Lingkod Bayan was also created to serve as a platform for Angeleños to speak directly to the city officials, and air their day-to-day concerns. Viewers of the program are encouraged to send in their questions through the comment section on Facebook, which the hosts will then read and answer throughout the show.

“Dahil libre itong napapanood, at dahil halos lahat ng tao ay mayroon naman Facebook, mas marami tayong Angeleños na maabot, hindi lang dito sa Pilipinas, kundi pati sa labas ng bansa,” Lazatin added.

All episodes of the program are also posted on the Angeles City Information Office Facebook page, and are open for re-watching.

The news program proved most useful especially in disseminating information during the time of the COVID-19 pandemic. Since the imposed community quarantine in March, Lingkod Bayan’s viewership soared, with as much as 20,000 views.

Through the Lingkod Bayan program, Angeleños were given information about the COVID-19 situation in the city – with the number of active cases constantly being updated.

During the pandemic, the program’s hosts, Deng Pangilinan and Rudy Simeon, gave out constant reminders to their viewers to wear their facemasks in public, practice social distancing and avoid social gatherings.

Through the comment section, Angeleños were able to report violators of health and safety protocols, enabling city officials to take immediate action.

As Lingkod Bayan’s viewership grows, it continues to establish itself as a credible source of information and public service. Furthermore, it effectively bridges the gap between the city government and its constituents, allowing them to work together in making the city a better and safer place to live in.