PCOO seeks more PH-China media engagement

“China is very much ahead of the competition in terms of the technology, in terms of the technique, and we can learn things,” PCOO Secretary Martin Andanar said in an interview with China Radio International (CRI). (PNA file Photo)

MANILA — The Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) seeks to send more Filipino media persons to Beijing to further deepen their understanding of China and learn from latter’s technology.

“China is very much ahead of the competition in terms of the technology, in terms of the technique, and we can learn things,” PCOO Secretary Martin Andanar said in an interview with China Radio International (CRI).

Andanar said China government’s communications office has already invited reporters and editors from both private and public sectors.

He thanked the Chinese government for this initiative.

As the PCOO chief, Andanar vowed to further broaden the two states’ cooperation in terms of communications.

He said that in November 2018, the PCOO and State Administration of Radio and Television of China already signed an agreement to deepen engagement in radio and television.

He also recognized the established partnership of some media organizations in China and the Philippines such as Radyo Pilipinas and CRI.

Andanar’s statement came as President Xi Jinping sets to embark on a state visit to the Philippines from November 20 to 21.

He said since President Rodrigo Duterte assumed office and met President Xi when he visited China, the two countries’ relations started to normalize and improve.

He added that more Chinese tourists have started coming to the Philippines, like the increased trade between Manila and Beijing.

Andanar believes that the improved Chinese-Filipino relations have provided numerous benefits to both sides.

Andanar, meanwhile, lauded the output of the PCOO for the past two years.

“The only thing I regret is I have less time with my family, but they understand,” he said.