THE Philippines is known as the “text messaging capital of the world” with a remarkable 1.39 billion texts send from a subscriber base of just 50 million, giving millions of pesos in revenues to giant telecommunication networks Smart, Globe, and Sun Cellular.

With the advent of technology, keeping in touch to someone thousands of miles away can be done in a flash – either through cell phones or the Internet.

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Even writers and reporters can get news stories or reactions through text and may send these stories through e-mail.

And the Philippine Army (PA) is no exception as it embraces the available technology in giving information to journalists.

LTC Arnulfo Marcelo B. Burgos Jr., PA’s spokesperson of the Office of the Army Chief Public Affairs in Makati City, said they welcome reporters who ask for information or any news about the PA’s activities or accomplishments on the ground through text.

“We are fast changing now. With the advent of technology, we are now opening ourselves for you so you can access information from us even through text,” LTC Burgos said during a press conference held Friday at Camp Evangelista in Cagayan de Oro.

LTC Burgos was in the city to spearhead the conduct of a three-day Media Affairs Seminar for the civil military officers of the 4th and the 1st Infantry Divisions of the Philippine Army.

He said they are conducting the seminar to enhance the media relations skills of military officers, emphasizing on their availability to relay information to reporters 24/7.

To go with the technology and the fast changing time, LTC Burgos said the Philippine Army has also been transformed.

“Before, the soldiers are only engaged in combat operations. But now, they are into combat, intelligence and civil military operations. Before, the commanders are not accessible and those who want to get information would still have to go to the camp. But now, we have the cell phones and the media can get information directly from us,” he said.

LTC Burgos said all PA units have designated spokespersons but they are not limiting themselves as the only ones who can release information to the media.

“We have the link because we are the designated spokespersons but anybody who have the right information may talk. Usually, if the soldiers are not familiar with the facts, they wouldn’t talk and will instead pass on the message to those who know the details. We are opening up now so you can get more information from us,” he said.

With his pronouncements, reporters may easily ask for information and send text messages to a media relations officer in the field. However, reporters may not get immediate reply if the officer has no available load.

But LTC Burgos assured that the media relations officer would look for any means to respond to the text message.