President Marcos is making an effort to be more accessible to give the public a better understanding of his administration’s policies and programs, the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) said Tuesday.
In a Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon briefing, PCO Undersecretary for Digital Media Services Emerald Ridao said the chief executive would be more open and respond to queries on issues that he feels “will be best expressed or best explained by his side.”
“He himself would like to be more accessible. He will answer questions himself. If the public has questions, we [PCO] will relay it to him, he will explain, he will answer,” the PCO official said in a mixture of Filipino and English.
“So, one of the things that we can expect is more access to the President in terms of what he thinks, the thinking behind his policy, the rationale. And hopefully, that will help the citizens to get a better insight into why the government runs in this way,” she added.
The President’s more policy of more direct public engagement came as Ridao acknowledged that the government’s communication strategies are “more structured.”
Serving as the government’s lead communications arm, the PCO usually issues press releases or lets concerned agencies explain the programs or policies that they are implementing.
Ridao expressed confidence that the PCO has made significant headways in improving the government’s communications strategy and raising public awareness.
On Monday, Mr. Marcos underscored the crucial role of effective communication in strengthening trust between the government and the public, as he addressed attendees at the inaugural “Parangal: Gawad ng Kahusayan sa Komunikasyong Pampubliko” awards by the PCO.
Speaking at the Philippine International Convention Center, the President commended the 14 awardees for their achievements in crafting innovative and impactful public communication campaigns.
“The campaigns, the messages, and the voices we celebrate this evening remind us what leadership is capable of when there is a connection with the people,” Mr. Marcos said.
“These efforts reflect the government’s commitment to transparency, responsiveness, and inclusivity,” he added.
He emphasized that communication is at the core of governance, fostering understanding and engagement among citizens.
“While these awards recognize your achievements, they are also declarations of leadership standards that enhance public awareness and empower participation in governance,” the President added.
The awards ceremony highlighted outstanding public service and communication strategies across various levels of government.
Campaigns such as Lupon, Davao Oriental’s “Project iCORE,” Victorias, Negros Occidental’s “SIDLAK VICTORIAS,” and the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s (DSWD) “Kwento ng Pag-Asa at Pagbabago” were among those honored for their impact on local and national audiences.
