An attaché de presse

Just recently, the Senate finance sub-committee “F” “conditionally” approved the Presidential Communications Operations Office proposed budget for 2019.

The conditional approval of the P1.47-billion proposed budget transpired while we also await an executive order that would return the PCOO back to the Office of the Press Secretary, to be signed by the President.

As the PCOO is initiating reforms that would give way to a proper transition back to the OPS, we are also looking forward to a second reform that is meant to revive press attachés to be set up in select embassies around the world.

This process under the Global Media Affairs Division seeks to deploy press attachés in different countries such as Thailand, Singapore, Japan and China among others that are currently being considered.

It is important to note therefore the significance of a press attaché and the role he or she plays both in media and in representing the interests of our nation. Such an official has the job of liaising with media through their respective embassies and they are the main point of contact as they prepare, write and distribute press releases, handle media queries while constantly liaising with other media contacts and journalists.

More importantly, and as the kind Senator JV Ejercito said, the role of the press attaché is vital especially in communicating the official position of the government to the international media. It is about time that the Philippines therefore establishes its presence in different parts of the world .

Considering we have so many oversees Filipino workers, a press attaché can be the official that would stand and represent our nation’s values, much more be the voice of protection and assurance especially in times of crisis.

In terms of further expanding relations in the areas of business and culture, on the other hand, a press attaché can truly be the official that would represent our nation’s position as we enter into agreements.

Establishing presence is definitely important and absolutely necessary most especially since the world has its eyes on the Philippines.