16th National PR Congress tackles social change

The Public Relations Society of the Philippines (PRSP) launches today the 16^th National Public Relations Congress with the theme, “Public Relations : Pursuing Reforms, The Social Change Challenge” in simple ceremonies held during the Society’s General Membership Meeting at The Ascott, Makati.

            The 16^th National PR Congress is slated on September 10 and 11 at the Manila Hotel.

            “We’re taking on another serious topic, such as influencing social change, to show that public relations as a communication discipline can also be used to effect meaningful changes in the society. In 2008, the PR Congress tackled the need to protect the environment. This year, we turn inward and assess the kind of changes we need to make as individuals, teams, and organizations,” said PRSP president Butch Raquel.

            “The topic is also very timely, given that we are on the eve of the national elections where we expect to see personalities mobilizing their respective PR machineries to make a mark on the public’s consciousness and, ultimately influence the voting public in their favor,” added Barbie Atienza, the 16^th National PR Congress chairman.

            The logo unveiling marked the Congress’ simple launch.  Atienza, explained, “The 16^th National PR Congress logo, reminiscent of Da Vinci’s The Vitruvian Man, implies that change has to come first from the individual. “As he extends his areas of concern to the outside world, he is called upon to make a positive impact so that as he grows, his environment develops along with him, and vice-versa. The colorful rays that envelop the man represent the affirmative influence that can be attained through the strategic, creative and skillful use of public relations.”

            The Congress is open to all professionals working in the communication field. Members of the academe, as well as students taking up communication courses, can also attend. Regular congress fee is P8,000, with early bird discounts for those who will register on or before July 31. For more details, call the PRSP Secretariat at 638-0010.