Tacloban City (October 12) -- In a move to keeping the Eastern Visayas Region and the Philippines avian flu free, the Regional Avian Flu Task Force through the Philippine Information Agency, is conducting a seminar-workshop on communicating Avian Flu from October 12-13, 2007 at the Sabin Hotel and Resort in Ormoc City.

Assistant Regional Director Wilso Cerbito of the Department of Agriculture welcomed the participants while PIA Director Olive Tiu presented the overview of the two-day activity.

The information officers of the member agencies, provincial, city and municipal local government units, farmcasters and media practitioners from all over Region 8 were presented the Regional Situationer by Dr. Leo Mira of the Department of Agriculture, Mr. Boyd Cerro of the Department of Health and Mr. Arnulfo Viojan of the Department of Environment and natural Resources.

Dr. Mira discussed bird flu as a threat or a scare; Mr. Cerro discussed the human side of avian flu while Mr. Viojan talked about surveillance of migratory birds and the areas in the watchlisht.

The participants revealed that in the past, they were apprehensive on the conduct of the seminar saying that there was a black-bug infestation in Samar in the past but the Department of Agriculture did not conduct this kind of seminar.

However, even before the end of the first half of the seminar, when they were enlightened on what the bird flu is all about and how great its effect to poultry and people if not prevented, they already readily changed their opinion.

By the way the participants participated and reacted in the discussions, it is apparent that they have developed commitment in advocating and informing people about the avian flu, its effect on people and poultry, and how to prevent it.

The basics of communication planning, was discussed by Director Daniel Santos, staff director for indigenous and special media and professorial lecturer of UP Diliman, College of mass Communications.

Director Santos tutored the participants on source analysis, audience analysis, message development, dissemination approaches and strategies, effect and impact analysis.

The participants are expected to develop their respective communication plan, key message and their action plan which will be critiqued by the resource persons.