TACLOBAN CITY-Ormoc City’s Dagyaw platform for citizen access and participation in clarifying issues and recommending policy options was chosen as one of the 40 finalists for the 17th International Observatory on Participatory Democracy (IOPD) award.
The IOPD is an annual award delivered to recognize successful experiences and public policies on citizen participation, community engagement, democratic innovation, public deliberation, and open government.
Ormoc is one of the three entries from the Philippines to be part of the top 40 finalists selected from 149 entries from 33 countries for the Best Practice in Community Participation.
“We need your help to support our entry in securing its rightful place as one of the best and leading programs in participatory governance,” Councilor Nolito Quilang said as he solicited support among its residents.
“It’s time to put our government’s best practices in the limelight,” he added.
In order to secure a spot, the entry from Ormoc must receive the most number of votes among the 40 shortlisted entries for the 17th IOPD awards.
The voting period runs from September 2 to 12, 2023 by registering at the ink https://tinyurl.com/RegisterForOrmoc and casting a vote at https://tinyurl.com/VOTEDagyawTownHall
The winning best practice will be awarded in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil which will take place from November 6 to 8, 2023.
Ormoc’s entry Dagway provided a forum for dialogue, collaboration, and empowerment, involving residents in crafting municipal policies and projects and acknowledging the value of their input in decision-making processes.
This encourages inclusive and participatory governance, involving stakeholders in decision-making processes, and recognizing the value of incorporating residents in influencing local policy.
It uses a town hall meeting technique participated by the City Mayor’s Office, the City Planning and Development Office, the Department of the Interior and Local Government, and civil society organizations (CSOs).
They also use Facebook Live to reach a wider audience and reach to promote inclusivity and openness. (ROEL T. AMAZONA)
