Local Legislators' Toolkit - The Sangguniang Panlalawigan ng ...

(i) Definition of Terms.1. Public information refers to those information activities directed to public audiences.Such activities include mass media, education and promotion, public relations andcommercial advertising.2. Information is concerned with those information activities directed to large publicaudience, organizations, small groups and individuals. Such activities include massmedia usage, advocating and promotion, and public relations.3. Education refers to the series of formally designed learning objectives and contentthat are intended to change the behavior of a target audience by providing themknowledge, helping them acquire skills and causing the internalization of desirableattitudes. Education includes technical education on <strong>Local</strong> Environment Code,community extension, and formal schooling. Education modifies people’s behaviorthrough the acquisition of knowledge, new skills, development of desirable habitsand beliefs.4. Communication is the process through which information and education areconveyed. It is aimed at cultivating a permissive atmosphere that promotes positiveattitudes about the environment and on the <strong>Local</strong> Environment Code as aninstrument for the promotion of environmental quality. To properly enlighten thepeople, it is important to ensure that they receive the same message and the sameinterpretation.5. Promotion is the process of communicating the features of the <strong>Local</strong> EnvironmentCode and its objectives and the services that it will provide, create awareness forwhat it is all about, generate public enthusiasm, answer questions asked by thepublic and the various constituencies, and to place the <strong>Local</strong>(ii) Objectives. <strong>The</strong> following are the objectives of the public Information, Education andCommunication Program:a. To provide a level of knowledge to prevent any misinformation on any provisions ofthe Municipal Environment Code.b. To facilitate exchange of information on the <strong>Local</strong> Environmental Code.c. To advocate for a <strong>Local</strong> Environment Code and persuade the public on the value andimportance of the Code;d. To inform the target clientele about Environmental regulations and for theircompliance;e. To help justify the need for the <strong>Local</strong> Environment Code and to maintain a positivehealthy relationship between the Municipal Government and its constituents andother stakeholders;f. To cultivate a favorable climate of acceptance for the <strong>Local</strong> Environment Code andits effective implementation.(iii) Functions. <strong>The</strong> Public Information, Education and Communication Program (IEC) shallbe concerned with the following functions:a. Developing understanding about <strong>Local</strong> Environment Code and its role in local andnational development.b. Developing and strengthening opinions and attitudes favorable to <strong>Local</strong> EnvironmentCode.c. Providing several and technical information to the public.d. Providing motivation, stimulation and basis for discussion for community assessmentand decision.271