I’ll be guesting on Media In Focus with Che Che Lazaro tonight at 9:30PM. You can watch it live on ABS-CBN’s cable news channel – ANC. The topic that we’ll be discussing is President Noynoy Aquino’s recent statements saying that his administration will actively be using social media and the internet for governance and transparency. Here are some notes that I wanted to write down about the topic. Feel free to add to whatever I come up with and I’ll try to fit it in the actual discussion. There are just really short notes though, nothing too detailed. Check them out and please do share your own thoughts as well after the break.
Governance vs Communication Channel
President Aquino’s team should first establish their objective when it comes to Social Media. Will they use it as another communication channel or will they actually use it as a tool for governance? If it’s just for communication, then it will probably just turn out to be an over glorified press channel with multimedia content. Communication will primarily still be one way.
It’s not just the Office of the President, it should be all government agencies
More important than seeing a Noynoy Aquino social media strategy is seeing an internet and social media strategy for government agencies and offices that actually implement the laws and systems to the people. The thought of having an active Department of Foreign Affairs, POEA, or OWWA reaching out and caring for OFWs online is probably one of the best examples that I can come up with. Imagine – a government sponsored OFW forum. That would rock to the high heavens.
Want something better?
How about a Department of Trade and Industry sponsored National E-Commerce Mall? We can sell locally made Filipino products to the international community. The government will spend public funds to market the mall and raise awareness locally for merchants. I’m not even talking about the businesses you see in the malls. Imagine if the indigenous tribes scattered all over the country can have access to a global market?
Website first, please
More important than coming up with a social media strategy is coming out with proper websites first! Almost all government websites are still stuck in Web 0.5 standards (not even Web 1.0) and definitely not up to par with Web 2.0. Some blogs are more advanced than the government sites that I see. Don’t just say “social media” because it’s the industry buzz word. Fix basics then move on to other channels and tools.
Raise Awareness regarding the sites
Coming up with a site is one thing — but that’s not everything. After building the site, you have to drive traffic to it. The OP and the various government agencies need to come up with a marketing campaign that will let people know that they have sites and social media accounts. Otherwise it’s just a waste of budget.
That’s it for now, have a meeting in a bit. What do you guys think? Hit comments below.
or start our very own social bookmarking website..
I’m trying to build one at pinoypatrol.net
I agree that first on the list would be to set up the proper platform first (websites) then put people behind those websites so updates, comments, suggestions and opinions can be properly processed. Building a great website with no support behind it will be a waste of taxpayers’ money.
Start with the end in view and then put first things first.
Hi Carlo,
Indeed, and we’re fortunate many new appointees are either tech savvy and/or have a good grasp of the importance of new media, particularly social media in promoting openness, transparency and online public communications and relations in government (judging by how Noynoy’s online campaign was run). Expect major changes in a few government websites soon that will become the standard for the rest to follow.
Government can no longer dictate upon their constituents, social media is forcing it to be truly the government of the people, by the people, and for the people.