Former Davao representative and Civil Service Commission Chair Karlo Nograles on Thursday laid out plans to maximize social media, popular internet apps, and telecom services as everyday tools to deliver news and information, improve governance, and bridge communication gaps between the people of Davao City and their leaders.
According to Nograles, “we will increase the use of Facebook, Instragram, YouTube, TikTok and other socmed platforms. Nasa digital age na tayo. Internet and social media are streadily replacing TV, radio, and newspapers as our primary sources of info.
“Marami nga sa atin, sa simula pa lang ng araw, nakatutok na sa social media gamit ang cellphone at gadget. Bumibilis rin ang pagshare ng balita gamit ang text.”
As of January 2024, there were 86.75 million internet users in the Philippines, equating to about 73% of the country’s 116 million people. In addition, there were 168.3 million active cellular mobile connections, a staggering figure equivalent to 144.5% of the entire population.
“Many LGUs already use Facebook pages to announce programs and projects, or post real-time updates on emergencies, calamities and disasters. We will boost and expand our socmed use and presence, making sites and pages more robust and interactive.”
Filipinos spend more time using the internet than citizens of any other country. The average Pinoy spends approximately three hours and 43 minutes on social media daily, which is more than the global average of two hours and 31 minutes.
Nograles pointed out that “with these statistics, we see the use of technology in governance as both boundless and exciting. We want Davaoeños to see, hear and feel their local government. Viral everyday dapat ang City Hall sa mga taga Davao City, in a good way of course.”
“Many LGUs already use Facebook pages to announce programs and projects, or post real-time updates on emergencies, calamities and disasters. We will boost and expand our socmed use and presence, making sites and pages more robust and interactive. Socmed will be a two-way street wherein constituents can directly reach out to City Hall and vice versa,” the ex-CSC chair and lawmaker explained.
The increased focus on social media and Internet tools is part of Nograles’ comprehensive digitalization plan for Davao City, which covers services ranging from business permit renewal, scholarship and medical assistance, transport and mobility, and other core local concerns.
Nograles emphasized, however, that the use of social media and the Internet should always be ethical and responsible.
“A big no to fake news, siyempre. We will set an example to the people of Davao that news should be truthful, information always accurate, and the treatment of posts from our constituents fair,” the lawyer clarified.
“We want an informed, empowered and tech-savvy constituency that partners with the LGU in our march to further improving and developing Davao City.”
