THE United States Agency for International Development (USAID) through its Cities for Enhanced Governance and Engagement (CHANGE) Project organized a Joint LGU-Media Whole of Government Strategic Action Planning Workshop on June 14-15, 2023 at the Metro Centre Hotel, Tagbilaran City.
Rowena Carranza-Paraan, former President, National Union of Journalists in the Philippines (NUJP) and current Training Director of the Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism (PCIJ) facilitated the said workshop where City Government Employees and private media partners strategized means to achieve accountable and transparent partnership between the media and the city government.
The workshop brought together representatives from the City Government of Tagbilaran, media practitioners, and communication officers. The main objective of the activity is the formulation of a strategic communication plan that fosters a two-way information flow between the local government and the media.
Dr. Rosalinda Paredes, USAID CHANGE City Governance Coordinator and workshop facilitator explained that the activity aimed to enhance collaboration, promote good governance, and benefit both the local government and citizens through effective communication channels.
Mayor Jane Yap, in her inspirational message, emphasized the significance of the workshop in formulating a joint city government and media strategic communication plan. She stressed the importance of a two-way information flow that benefits both the local government and the citizens, promoting good governance and addressing the needs of the community effectively.
“The Joint LGU Media Whole of Government Strategic Action Planning Workshop is a crucial step towards enhancing our communication channels and promoting good governance. By working hand in hand with the media, we can ensure that accurate and timely information reaches our constituents, fostering transparency and trust,” Mayor Yap stated.
The workshop concluded with the formulation of a comprehensive strategic action plan. This plan outlines key strategies, initiatives, and collaborations to strengthen the LGU-media relationship and improve information dissemination.
Regular follow-up sessions and continuous engagement with media stakeholders will be implemented to ensure the effective implementation of the action plan.
