Jaro archdiocese infocast to reach more priests, faithful with Smart

The Archdiocese of Jaro is set to boost its information dissemination campaign among its priests and the faithful in the province of Iloilo and Guimaras with the use of Smart Infocast.

The Archdiocese of Jaro Infocast is powered by Smart Communications that donated two mobile phones, two SIMs and an allotment of 10,000 messages monthly.

Sr. Merly Montejo, chancery staff; Fr. Joenick Territorio, vicar for Chancery Affairs of the Archdiocese of Jaro; and Atty. Ma. Jane Paredes, manager of Smart Communications Inc (those holding the banner) with chancery staff, Smart Communications officers and Iloilo City media.

“We expect six benefits from the Smart Infocast,” said Fr. Joenick Territorio, vicar for Chancery Affairs. “First, this will make information dissemination easier. Second, it would enable speedy communication. Third, communication officially comes from the Chancery (sender’s name is ARC Jaro instead of a mobile number). Fourth, it enables up-to-date communication and evangelization. Fifth, it can be customized for priests. Sixth, we hope it is secure because there are certain information that we send only to our priests,” he explained.

Currently, the archdiocese has 200 priests who serve 2.3 million Catholics.

Atty. Ma. Jane Paredes, manager of Smart Communications Inc. revealed that the Infocast had been of much use during the International Eucharistic Congress 2016, a gathering of clergy, religious, and laity which was held in Cebu City.

“Because of the Infocast, the advisories were up-to-date. We provided a customized IEC SIM. Messages were crafted to benefit those attending. It is a customized messaging service and we assure the Archdiocese of Jaro that only those in the list of subscribers will receive the messages,” Atty. Paredes said.

She also shared Dumaguete’s example wherein the archdiocese sends out a Bible Verse of the Day to its subscribers as well as important announcements.

When supertyphoon Yolanda hit many areas in the Philippines, local government units used Smart Infocast in disseminating weather forecasts and warnings.

“The core purpose of the Infocast is information cascading. Information plays a vital role in the community because it empowers us on how we respond. It makes our lives easier and safer. It also mobilizes those who are engaged in volunteerism efforts such as the Archdiocese of Jaro. Even in the absence of an internet connection, the archdiocese can send information in case of emergencies. It has an allotment of 10,000 free text broadcast per month,” said Nancy Nacua, operations officer for Brand Activation of Smart Communications.

Smart Infocast is also being utilized by the Philippine Information Agency (PIA)