In this age of social media and smartphones, achieving transparency is more crucial than ever. Recently, Parañaque City’s 2nd District Representative Brian Yamsuan reached out to his fellow lawmakers to use digital tools to establish bridges of transparency and close the gap between people and their government, according to a Philippine News Agency (PNA) news article.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the news report of the PNA. Some parts in boldface…
Parañaque 2nd District Rep. Brian Raymund Yamsuan has called on fellow lawmakers to leverage digital tools to build “bridges of transparency” that will heighten awareness about state-funded services, strengthen public trust, and bring government closer to the people.
Instead of relying on traditional and often tedious modes of delivering public services, Yamsuan said government officials should learn to adapt and take advantage of digital solutions to make such processes simple, fair, and convenient for potential beneficiaries.
“In this digital age, information is no longer confined to the halls of government or the pages of textbooks –it flows through the screens and smartphones of every Filipino. And with that flow comes an opportunity: an opportunity to connect, to inform, to empower, and above all, to build trust,” Yamsuan said in a privilege speech on Monday.
He said the Philippines’ distinction as the world’s social media capital with 97.5 million internet users illustrates how Filipinos have become heavily reliant on online platforms in getting information, which the government can capitalize on to connect with citizens and make them aware of its various programs and projects.
“The government, and we public servants, are often criticized for not doing enough to address problems or bridge gaps. But sometimes the issue is not the lack of programs, but the lack of awareness,” the vice-chairperson of the House Committee on Public Information said.
“As representatives of our respective districts and sectors, we are in a prime position to be part of the solution. We can take the lead in providing information that is easily digestible and understandable, and most importantly, information that is relevant to the needs of our constituents.”
He said delivering the “right information and the right services” to Filipinos can help regain public trust and confidence in “our institutions because people would be able to see and feel that they have a government they can rely on.”
Pointing out the lack of public awareness about government support programs, Yamsuan cited a Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey which showed that while over 93 percent of Filipinos know about the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps), only 34 percent were aware of the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS) program.
A nationwide survey conducted in 2023 by the research firm Capstone-Intel also showed a lack of knowledge about the various initiatives of the Department of Health (DOH), with only 45 percent of the survey participants being aware of the Universal Health Care program, he said.
Let me end this post by asking you readers: What do you think about this recent development? If you are a resident of Parañaque, do you like what Congressman Yamsuan has been doing since he took office? Do you think there is hope that social media will be used for transparency and cooperation instead of tribalism-related division?
You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.
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