6 LGUs feted as havens of digital democracy

U.S. Ambassador MaryKay Carlson, Makati Business Club Chairman Edgar Chua, and DICT Undersecretary Jocelle Batapa-Sigue present the Digital Democracy Champion award to fourteen (14) city LGUs for their exceptional implementation of Digital Democracy initiatives at the Hilton Manila.

Six local governments across the archipelago were feted in the first-ever Digital Democracy Awards held on Tuesday, which the Makati Business Club (MBC) 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.

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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.

Muntinlupa City also 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 governments to shape their digital democracy initiatives in ways that foster citizen participation and inclusion, responsiveness of policies to community members’ perspectives, among others.

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. INQ