Former Davao City lawmaker Karlo Nograles on Thursday highlighted the need for mechanisms that Davaoeños can easily access for concerns that the city government should address.
“Kailangan ang City Hall, one SMS or Facebook Messenger text away lang. This way, we reassure Davaoeños that their city government listens to their needs and concerns,” Nograles said.
The former chair of the Civil Service Commission noted that a local government should put in place a responsive public reporting system to ensure that “issues on the ground are escalated to City Hall for immediate and appropriate action.”
Nograles added that regular town hall meetings––virtual and in person––are also necessary so that Davaoeños can air their concerns and also be apprised of City Hall’s plans for their community.
Such a system, he said, “should go beyond an automated reply, but rather one that replies fast and responds quickly.”
“We should always be mindful that the local government is the frontliner for all concerns in the community. Tayo ang inaasahan ng ating mga kababayan para tugunan ang kanilang pangangailangan.”
“Dahil dito, tayo ang unang nilalapitan ng mga kababayan natin, kaya dapat mapanatag ang loob nila na tunay na pinakikinggan ng City Hall ang mga hinaing at problema nila,” Nograles explained.
Nograles added that regular town hall meetings––virtual and in person––are also necessary so that Davaoeños can air their concerns and also be apprised of City Hall’s plans for their community.
“There is no better substitute towards fostering hope and understanding among communities than through a forum where ideas can be freely exchanged,” he said.
“The essence of democracy is helping each other out to attain our shared vision of progress. Through such forums, we give every Davaoeño a voice and ensure that our governance is not top-down but instead solicits the help of the people in crafting solutions to our problems.”
