Wazzup Pilipinas!!
Pasig City stands at a pivotal moment—one where the bridge between government and its people can be strengthened through innovation. The recently held 1Sangguni: Sang Sanggunian para sa Pasigueño was a remarkable demonstration of the Vice Mayor's commitment to participatory governance. Seeing our leaders engage directly with the community was both inspiring and reassuring, a testament to the administration’s dedication to transparency and accountability.
However, as with any progressive initiative, there is always room to refine and enhance the process. The power of technology offers an unprecedented opportunity to transform citizen engagement, ensuring that every voice is heard and every concern is addressed with efficiency and clarity. That is why I write to him today—not just with appreciation, but with a vision for a more connected and responsive Pasig City.
February 12, 2025
Hon. Robert "Dodot" Jaworski Jr.
Vice Mayor, Pasig City
Dear Vice Mayor Jaworski,
I would like to extend my sincerest appreciation for the recently held 1Sangguni: Sang Sanggunian para sa Pasigueño Talakayan sa Barangay at Pasig Housing Village 1, Jenny’s Avenue, Maybunga. It is not often that we get the opportunity to engage with our government officials up close, and your presence at the event was truly commendable. I truly hope that it is not a rare occasion just because it's election season.
However, I would like to express a humble suggestion. While the initiative was undoubtedly a step toward inclusive governance, the limited time and venue constraints made it challenging for me to fully articulate my concerns—especially those that require deeper discussion and long-term solutions. I could always better explain my intentions through writing. Most of those that were aired by the attendees failed to address the root cause of their concerns which is understandable. While the gathering is effective for addressing minor issues, larger and more complex problems, as you have reiterated, demand further study, discussion with those involved, and continuous engagement to develop sustainable solutions that would truly lessen or eradicate the problem.
Given this, I propose exploring digital or online platforms that would allow for a more structured and systematic approach to reporting issues, voicing concerns, and submitting recommendations from citizens and stakeholders. A centralized digital communication channel—whether through an interactive website, a dedicated mobile app, or an official hotline— whichever would effectively streamline the process, ensuring that urgent matters reach the appropriate offices promptly while also providing transparency and accountability in addressing public concerns. Stating an issue verbally without the accompanying "receipts" like documents, witness accounts, etc..makes the concerns prone to misunderstanding and thus leading to insufficient solutions.
As someone born and living in Pasig who has been deeply involved in IT and media—being an ECE graduate of Mapua, having worked as an ICT Assistant Officer of a U.N. agency, a systems administrator of a bank, as part of the editorial team of a mainstream newspaper, as a radio host for a radio station and being a blogger throughout these experiences (for more than 10 years already)—I have witnessed firsthand the challenges that our society faces. I strongly believe that direct and efficient communication between government leaders and the community is key to effective governance. With technology at our disposal, we now have the means to bridge this gap and create a more responsive and transparent local government, as well as avoid the proliferation of misinformation, disinformation and malinformation otherwise known as "fake news" which is among the primary cause of discontent and wrong decisions among our fellow men. Even the lack of significant news coming from our LGU can cause discomfort and unease.
May I kindly ask if your office would consider implementing a digital hotline or communication portal where we, as concerned citizens, could easily and efficiently reach out to our leaders or even through their representatives? Such an initiative would not only enhance public engagement but also empower the people of Pasig to take an active role in shaping our city’s future.
As a background, I am among the resource persons invited to share expertise and knowledge at the joint meeting of the Tricomm of the Committees on Public Order and Safety, Public Information, and Information and Communications Technology at the House of Representatives. We will be having our next meeting on February 18, 2025 together with representatives from several government agencies like DICT, and social media platforms like Meta, and for sure it would take several days before we could all agree on an initial framework.
While we work on the framework for a more transparent governance, you could include me as a media partner with access on all your communication involving the advance dissemination of official announcements, coverage of Pasig LGU-initiated or partnered events and activities, opportunities for interview of key personalities and access to departments and organizations for special features, and receiving of official press releases so we could help share these stories on our site.
I look forward to your thoughts on this, and I would be more than willing to contribute further insights or assistance as among your consultants should your office decide to pursue this endeavor. Thank you for your time and continued dedication to serving our community.
Kindly let me know if you have received this email. Thanks and looking forward to working closely with our LGU.
Respectfully,
Ross Flores Del Rosario
09473820042
Pasig City has long been a beacon of progress, but true transformation comes when governance evolves alongside the needs of its people. A digital platform for citizen engagement isn’t just a convenience—it’s a necessity. It is a way to amplify voices, bridge gaps, and create a governance model that thrives on accessibility, accountability, and responsiveness.
I firmly believe that under the Vice Mayor's co-leadership, Pasig can set an example for other cities, proving that government and citizens can work hand in hand in shaping a future that is inclusive, efficient, and truly reflective of the people’s needs. I hope he will consider this proposal, and I would be honored to contribute in any way possible.
Looking forward to the opportunity to collaborate in making Pasig a model city for digital governance and community empowerment. Thank you for his time and unwavering dedication to the people of Pasig.
Ross is known as the Pambansang Blogger ng Pilipinas - An Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Professional by profession and a Social Media Evangelist by heart.
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