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QUEZON CITY — The National Commission on Muslim Filipinos through its Bureau of External Relations (NCMF-BER), successfully conducted the “Events Management: NCMF Strategic Communication Planning” on October 29, 2026, at Park Inn by Radisson North EDSA in this city.
BER Acting Director Sajid A. Ensamtan led the NCMF activity in collaboration with the Philippine Information Agency (PIA).
The activity aimed to strengthen the Commission’s institutional communication capabilities and equip its personnel with practical knowledge and skills in events management, strategic communication planning, and media engagement to ensure that NCMF’s programs, services, and accomplishments are effectively communicated to the public, particularly the Muslim Filipino communities.
Nasroding C. Gonsi, DMO IV, of the Bureau’s Foreign and Local Assistance Division (BER-FLAD), led the Invocation, followed by the welcome remarks of Ensamtan.
NCMF officials Commissioner Bai Baicon Cayongcat-Nuska and Executive Director Tahir S. Lidasan Jr., CESO II also delivered messages.
In her message, Cayongcat-Nuska emphasized that strategic communication is not merely a support function but a vital instrument in advancing the NCMF’s mandate to promote and protect the rights and welfare of Muslim Filipinos.
She underscored the importance of moving beyond routine information dissemination toward meaningful public engagement, policy advocacy, partnership-building, and addressing misinformation.
Abdurahim reminded participants that communication is a shared responsibility
Lidasan emphasized the importance of telling the Commission’s story effectively so that more Muslim Filipinos become aware of the programs, services, and opportunities available to them. He highlighted the need to communicate using simple, clear, and familiar language, including Filipino and the languages of local communities, to make information more accessible and meaningful to its intended audience.
He further underscored that effective communication requires a unified institutional voice, where every bureau, field office, and employee contributes to strengthening the Commission’s credibility and public image.
He encouraged personnel to ground communication strategies in the actual experiences and needs of the communities, emphasizing that meaningful communication goes beyond social media posts and press releases.
Its success should ultimately be reflected in increased public awareness, improved access to government services, and strengthened trust between the Commission and the people it serves.
Lidasan also highlighted the importance of events management as an effective platform for conveying the Commission’s message and building stronger connections with its constituents.
He called on the BER to consolidate the outputs of the activity into a draft NCMF Strategic Communication Plan for submission to his office.
Delivering the inspirational message, NCMF Secretary Sabuddin N. Abdurahim emphasized that communication is not merely the transmission of information but an essential instrument of leadership, transparency, trust-building, and collective action in public service.
He outlined three key priorities for strengthening the Commission’s communication efforts: strengthening media relations, streamlining standards for event management and execution, and developing a comprehensive strategic communication plan. He stressed that these initiatives must ensure that the Commission’s messages remain accurate, consistent, culturally sensitive, and aligned with its mandate and institutional priorities.
Abdurahim also recognized the valuable partnership between the NCMF-BER and the PIA in advancing a more coordinated and professional approach to public information.
He reminded participants that communication is a shared responsibility, with every office and employee playing an important role in maintaining the credibility of the institution.
Moreover, Abdurahim encouraged participants to translate the knowledge and insights gained from the activity into concrete actions that would improve institutional operations, strengthen collaboration, and enhance public service delivery.
He emphasized that the Commission’s success should not be measured solely by the number of activities conducted or information published, but by the trust established and the positive impact created in the lives of Muslim Filipinos.
A key component of the activity was the presentation on the History and Mandates of the Bureau of External Relations, facilitated by Chief Ramah Dan R. Aguam, Chief of BER-Public Relations Division (BER-PRD), providing participants with a deeper understanding of the Bureau’s functions and its role in advancing the Commission’s public information and external relations initiatives.
The learning sessions and workshops were facilitated by Darrel Winthrop Torres, Chief of the PIA’s Program Management Division, who served as the resource speaker.
His discussions covered four major areas: Events Management, SWOT Analysis, Communication Planning, and Media Training.
He also discussed communication support services, data-driven communication strategies, media relations, and effective events management. Through the SWOT analysis, participants identified the Commission’s strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats, particularly in public understanding and access to services, Hajj information and pilgrim confidence, Halal development and economic opportunities, institutional credibility, and strategic partnerships.
The activity also featured discussions on Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE), and a press conference simulation to enhance participants’ competencies in media engagement and public communication. These sessions highlighted the importance of strengthening inter-agency coordination, maximizing partnerships, and reinforcing the NCMF’s role in advancing its programs and services.
Ana Shahani B. Batua, Information Officer IV of BER-PRD, hosted the event while Jihan E. Usman, RN, MMPA, Information Officer II of BER-PRD, introduced the resource speaker.
The activity concluded with the closing remarks of NCMF Deputy Executive Director Atty. Jehan Jehan A. Lepail.
Through this initiative, the NCMF reaffirms its commitment to building a more strategic, proactive, and unified institutional communication approach. By strengthening the competencies of its personnel and fostering collaboration among its offices and partner agencies, the Commission moves closer to ensuring that its programs, services, and accomplishments are not only effectively communicated but also understood, appreciated, and accessed by the communities it serves.
Anchored on the principle of “Trabaho Ko, Ibadah Ko,” the activity serves as a reminder that public service, when carried out with sincerity, dedication, and integrity, is a meaningful commitment to the Almighty and to the people. (/)
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Source: NCMF-BER