PNoy intends to set up e-centers in 42,000 barangays of RP

Tacloban City (August 17) — President Benigno Aquino III plans to set up an e-center in each of the 42,000 barangays of the country to ensure that citizens even in the hinterland barangays will have access to his website and share their opinions and concerns with him.

In a press briefing held on August 16 after the launching of the President’s website, Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Herminio “Sonny” Coloma said the Aquino Administration will bring the government closer to the people through the use of traditional, new media and social networking sites.

Secretary Coloma said the President intends to reach out to all the barangays of the country through his website, www.president.gov.ph and through the use of social networking sites such as Facebook, Twitter, and Friendster and Multiply, among others.

Secretary Coloma underscored that this is an effective means by which the President will know the sentiments of the people and really have them as partners in good governance.

He said this will be realized with “no extravagant expenditure” as Netopia, an internet cafe network operating in the country, has “formally signified making available all their sites nationwide to provide access to our people.”

According to Coloma the local government units (LGUs) will also be encouraged to set-up barangay e-centers.

Secretary Coloma added that the government will also evoke civil spiritedness so that generous citizens may donate computers and connectivity.

“Kayo ang Boss ko,” President Aquino said in his inaugural address acknowledging that his mandate emanated from the people. Thus, he intends to listen to the voices of the people, including their concerns so that he will know what issues he will tackle. (PIA