6 local gov’ts feted as havens of digital democracy
Six local government units across the archipelago were feted in the first-ever Digital Democracy Awards held Tuesday, which the Makati Business Club organized and hosted in partnership with the United States Agency for International Development and Konrad Adenauer Stiftung.
The project “recognized outstanding local government initiatives that foster innovation, transparency, and citizen participation through technology,” the MBC said in a statement.
Quezon City won the “People’s Participation Award” for their “Usapang QC” initiative, which bridged communication gaps and engaged over 430,000 residents.
Naga City was given the “Citizen-Led Policy Award” for translating citizen feedback into impactful policies, exemplifying the power of participatory governance.
The “Leadership Award” went to Batangas City mayor Beverley Rose Dimacuha, who was cited for her “exceptional vision and hands-on leadership in advancing digital initiatives.”
Meanwhile, the “Outstanding Public Communication Award” was conferred to Tagbilaran City for their innovative and creative communication strategies, which include their social media campaigns and community engagement efforts.
Also, Muntinlupa City received the “Data Stewardship Award” for their responsible handling of citizen data and dedication to advancing smart city initiatives.
In addition, the “Digital Trailblazer Award” was presented to Isabela City in Basilan for their groundbreaking “IsaTV” program, which brought educational content to a wide audience and redefined digital accessibility.
According to MBC, the awards aim to encourage local government units to shape their digital democracy initiatives in ways that foster citizen participation and inclusion, responsiveness of policies to community members’ perspectives, leadership of digital democracy pursuits, and stewardship of citizens’ data and inputs, among others.
The awards are also intended to recognize outstanding digital democracy initiatives and results; and nable learning of good practices from the implementation of digital democracy initiatives by award applicants.
Also on Tuesday, the same six LGUs plus eight others were recognized as digital democracy champions for their “dedication to advancing citizen participation and transparency in governance.”
The additional awardees include the cities of Cagayan de Oro, Victorias, Himamaylan, Iligan, Masbate, San Fernando in La Union, Tagum and Zamboanga.
