In democratic country like Philippines, collection of voices from a uniting society is mainly visible in some of the country’s events like EDSA I and II. Its goal to create changes and progression became more successful with the aid of ICT tools and platforms. These ICT tools and platforms changed the way Filipino people communicate. ICT can be a medium for developmental communication and advocacy.

WHAT IS DEVELOPMENTAL COMMUNICATION?

It is a communication approach which brings knowledge to societies that they can use to change their lives (Silandote Jr., G. 2016). According to Audiopedia, it seeks to influence stakeholders and policy makers, to build favorable environments, to identify challenges and opportunities and to facilitate the sharing of knowledge to produce positive social change via sustainable development.

One example of this is Information and Communication Technologies for Development (ICT4D). Through ICT, it aimed to bridge the space between technological “have” and “have not” geographic locations or demographic groups. It supports socio-economic development, international development, and human rights (GAVI CSO Constituency, 2014). One of the examples of what you can do with ICT4D is send and receive mobile money. It promotes easier and safer alternative to cash payments, and benefits people who cannot maintain a conventional bank account. 

WHAT IS ADVOCACY?

Alliance for justice defined it as “any action that speaks in favor of, recommends, argues for a cause, supports or defends, or pleads on behalf of others.” Do you remember the story of David and Goliath? Oppose to the original story, the Goliath in the advocacy process involves major organizations that can be a remedy for unjust or negative societal condition. These conditions usually impacts the citizens, or known as David. One example of an advocacy is the campaign called #WorldWithoutWaste organized by a famous soft drink company. It aims to solve the problem with solid waste management (Rappler, 2020).

The success of developmental communication and advocacy depends on the ICT platforms and tools you choose. One of the best options you have is social media. Through this, you can reach large audiences, have a direct connection with your audience, create organic and viral content, evaluate your performance, and join social media networks for free. However, it is also important to know the following downsides: you can receive negative feedback, has a potential for embarrassment, must spend a lot of time on your campaigns, and must wait to see the progress (WebFX.com, n.d.).

According to Silandote Jr. G. (2016), there are three faces of social media:

1. The Good – used to contact people regardless of their distant and time zone.

2. The Bad – enabled people to hide behind screen and avatars and it took over their lives than being them in control.

3. The Ugly – might became a common cause of broken relationships, self centeredness, and cybercrimes.

The use of Information and Communication Technology (ICT), particularly social media, as a medium for advocacy and developmental communication has become a powerful force in shaping public discourse, mobilizing communities, and driving social change. Here’s an overview of how social media serves as a catalyst for advocacy and developmental communication:

1. Amplifying Voices and Issues

• Visibility for Marginalized Groups: Social media platforms provide an avenue for marginalized communities to share their stories and raise awareness about their issues. This visibility can lead to greater understanding and action from the wider public.

• Global Reach: Issues can transcend geographical boundaries, allowing local advocacy campaigns to gain international attention. Campaigns like #BlackLivesMatter and #MeToo exemplify how social media can rally global support around specific causes.

2. Community Building and Mobilization

• Network Formation: Social media facilitates the creation of networks and communities around shared interests and causes, enabling advocates to connect and collaborate effectively.

• Grassroots Mobilization: Activists can rally support for demonstrations, petitions, and other actions through social media, often organizing events rapidly and efficiently. For example, movements during major political events in the Philippines, like the anti-Traffic Violations App, have successfully mobilized citizens.

3. Information Dissemination and Education

• Awareness Campaigns: NGOs and advocacy groups use social media to run awareness campaigns on issues such as health, environment, and human rights. These campaigns often include infographics, videos, and testimonies to educate the public.

• Real-Time Updates: Social media platforms allow for real-time sharing of information during crises or critical events, which can inform and engage the public quickly. For instance, during natural disasters, authorities often use social media to provide updates on safety measures and aid distribution.

4. Participatory Communication

• Engaging Stakeholders: Social media encourages two-way communication, allowing stakeholders to engage directly with advocacy efforts. This participatory approach enhances transparency and accountability.

• Feedback Mechanisms: Organizations can gather feedback from communities and stakeholders through social media, refining their strategies and ensuring that advocacy efforts resonate with the people they aim to serve.

5. Empowerment and Capacity Building

• Skills Development: Social media serves as a platform for training and educating advocates on various skills, including digital literacy, campaign strategies, and effective communication techniques.

• Empowering Individuals: By providing tools and resources, social media empowers individuals to become advocates themselves. Citizens can easily post about issues, create content, or engage in discussions that promote social change.

6. Challenges and Issues

• Misinformation and Disinformation: The rapid spread of information on social media can lead to the dissemination of false information, which can undermine advocacy efforts. Addressing misinformation is crucial for credibility.

• Digital Divide: Access to technology and the internet remains uneven, leading to a digital divide that can exclude certain communities from advocacy efforts. This gap can limit the effectiveness of campaigns if not addressed inclusively.

• Cyberbullying and Online Harassment: Advocates, especially those from marginalized groups, often face online harassment that can discourage participation and impact their mental well-being.

7. Case Studies in the Philippines

• #BataanShooting (Philippine National Police): Social media played a significant role in raising awareness and organizing community response following incidents involving police violence.

• #RideTheVibes Campaign: an initiative to promote mental health awareness using social media platforms to encourage conversations and share resources among youth.

8. Future Outlook

• Integration of New Technologies: With advancements in technology (e.g., AI, augmented reality), advocacy campaigns might leverage these tools for more compelling storytelling and engagement.

• Sustainability and Ethics: As social media continues to evolve, ethical considerations regarding data privacy, consent, and representation in advocacy will become increasingly important.

Conclusion

Social media has emerged as a potent medium for advocacy and developmental communication, providing tools that can empower individuals, organizations, and communities. By amplifying voices, facilitating mobilization, and fostering participatory dialogue, ICT can drive significant social change. However, it is essential to navigate the challenges that accompany its use to ensure that it effectively serves the goals of advocacy and development.

The Role of ICT in Recent History

1. Radio Veritas and EDSA I (People Power Revolution) Cardinal Tagle pointed out that Radio Veritas’ essential function is to spread the right information, especially the Word of God. On April 11, 1969, Radio Veritas facility was inaugurated by Cardinal Antonio Samore, a Vatican official, and Cardinal Rufino Santos, the former Archbishop of Manila (Vatican News, 2019).

It was unpopular radio station back then; eventually, it gained more audience after the station covered the assassination of former senator Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino on August 21, 1983 that government-run media reported hours later (CMFR Philippines, 2011). When late Jaime Cardinal Sin spoke over the Radio Veritas calling the Filipino people for support, two million Filipinos from different sectors participated in the four-day major protest that took place along EDSA from February 22 to 25, 1986.

2. Text brigades and EDSA Dos Before the Filipinos turned in the comfort of chatting and Messenger, the Philippines was named the “Text Capital of the World” (Philippine Mission Org.). In 1995, Short Message Service (SMS) was introduced as a promotional gimmick until in 1998, Philippine mobile-service providers launched it as a service targeting hearing-impaired users. From “I’ll call you” to “I’ll text you”, most of the Filipinos used this service for communication since it was free, but soon, telcos started charging 1 peso per SMS. It is much cheaper than a voice call, and this led to the ownership of a mobile phone by around five million Filipinos by 2001.

It was also 2001 when EDSA Dos or Second People Power Revolution happened. It started after 11 senators voted against the opening of the second envelope that contains the crucial evidence that would allegedly prove acts of political corruption by former President Joseph E. Estrada. After that vote, Senator Aquilino Pimentel resigned as Senate President, the 11 prosecutors in the impeachment trial resigned as well, and the Filipinos started to respond to a text message stating “Military needs to see 1 million at a rally tomorrow. Jan.19 to make a decision to go against Erap! Please pass on.” The protesters started to gathered around the EDSA Shrine on January 17, 2001 and ended when former president Erap released a letter stating his resignation on January 20, 2001.

3. Million People March From August 22 to 26, 2013, a series of small-scale rallies that happened in other cities across the country and around the world, but the main protest took place on Luneta Park. It is named “Million People March”, however attendees were only around 400,000 people. These protests happened due to the misuse of the Priority Development Assistance Fund (or PDAF). PDAF is intended to allow lawmakers to finance small-scale development or community programs, such as scholarship programs, beyond the framework of the national infrastructure program. The Million People March organizers and supporters have used Facebook, Twitter and Change.org as their mediums.

Change.org is the world’s largest petition platform for change. It aims to help people around the world create the change they want to see. In the past, petitions were done by a group asking for signature via travel, however affixing your digital signature on the petition you want to support become easy and accessible with the help of this website. As of August 23, Change.org showed a total of 19 petitions with an estimated total of 26, 942 signature supporting various campaigns on the PDAF issues (CMFR-Phil. 2013).

4. Yolanda People Finder Yolanda, with international code name Haiyan, was recorded as one of the most powerful typhoons in the Philippine history. After the six landfalls made by Yolanda on November 8, 2013, Leyte and Samar were lost in the map due to power and communication lines were cut off. Months before Yolanda, Google Philippines office was officially launched on January 2013. Julian Persaud, managing director of Google in Southeast Asia, said that Philippines is a key country due to its digital economy and tech savvy population. Philippine was chosen for the debut of Free Zone, which was an early adopter of the Chrome browser. Now, how did Google get linked to the victims of Yolanda?

Aside from social media, Yolanda victims took the Google help to find their lost loved ones through Google Person Finder. It is an open access software platform that offers a message board to post and check for information about each other's situation and alerts for people affected by a natural disaster. Just by clicking “I’m looking for someone” button, and typing their name, thousand of people affected by the Yolanda typhoon have been aided.

The role of Information and Communications Technology (ICT) in the recent history of the Philippines has been transformative, impacting various sectors such as governance, education, business, and social interactions. Here’s an overview of this role:

1. Economic Development

• Business Process Outsourcing (BPO): The Philippines has become a global hub for BPO services, leveraging English proficiency and a skilled workforce. The industry has seen significant growth since the early 2000s, contributing billions to the economy.
• Startups and E-commerce: The rise of technology startups and e-commerce platforms has provided new opportunities for entrepreneurship. Notable platforms like Lazada and Shopee have changed consumer behaviors and expanded markets.

2. Governance and E-Government

• Digital Governance Initiatives: The Philippine government has implemented various ICT initiatives to improve service delivery and transparency. Programs like the Philippine e-Government Master Plan aim to make services accessible online, reducing bureaucratic hurdles.
• Public Access to Information: The implementation of the Freedom of Information (FOI) law has been facilitated by ICT, allowing citizens to access government data and promote accountability.

3. Education

• E-Learning and Digital Education: The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the adoption of e-learning platforms in schools and universities. Tools such as Google Classroom and Zoom became essential for continued education, highlighting the need for digital literacy.
• ICT in Curriculum: Many educational institutions have integrated ICT in their curricula, preparing students for a technology-driven world and improving competencies in digital tools.

4. Social Connectivity and Communication

• Social Media Usage: The Philippines is one of the highest users of social media globally, with platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram significantly influencing communication, information dissemination, and public discourse.
• Mobilization and Activism: ICT has empowered civil society and grassroots movements, enabling them to organize campaigns, mobilize support, and raise awareness on social issues.

5. Disaster Response and Management

• Communication in Emergencies: ICT has played a crucial role in disaster preparedness and response in a country prone to natural disasters. Mobile apps and platforms have been developed for real-time alerts, coordination, and resource mobilization.
• Crowdsourcing and Data Gathering: The use of social media and other online platforms has allowed for better data gathering and crowdsourcing in the aftermath of disasters, providing critical information for relief efforts.

6. Health Services

• Telemedicine: The adoption of ICT in healthcare has increased access to medical services, particularly in rural areas. Telemedicine services have expanded, allowing patients to consult with healthcare professionals remotely.
• Health Information Systems: The government has also implemented health information systems to improve healthcare services and disease surveillance.

7. Challenges and Issues

• Digital Divide: Despite advancements, there is still a significant digital divide in the Philippines, with rural areas having less access to ICT. Bridging this gap remains a challenge for inclusive growth.
• Cybersecurity and Privacy Concerns: The rise of digital platforms has brought concerns regarding data privacy and security. Cyberattacks and misinformation campaigns have highlighted the need for robust cybersecurity measures.

8. Future Prospects

• Smart Cities and Internet of Things (IoT): The Philippine government is exploring smart city initiatives that integrate IoT, aiming to enhance urban living and streamline services.
• Innovation and Technology Adoption: Continued investment in ICT infrastructure and innovation is critical for sustaining economic growth and improving the quality of life.

In conclusion, ICT has played an integral role in shaping the recent history of the Philippines, driving growth, enhancing governance, and transforming social interactions. However, addressing the

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Sa kabila ng pagkakaiba-iba ng ating mga pinagdadaanan, may isang aspeto ng ating kalusugang madalas na hindi natin napapansin: ang kalusugan ng ating isipan. Ito ang pundasyon ng ating kabuuang kagalingan, na may malaking epekto hindi lamang sa ating personal na buhay kundi pati na rin sa ating pakikisalamuha sa lipunan.

        Ang kalusugan ng isip ay mas higit pa sa pagiging malaya sa mga suliranin tulad ng depresyon o pag-aalala. Ito ay naglalaman ng ating kakayahan na makisalamuha, magmahal, at maging produktibo sa ating pang-araw-araw na buhay. Sa mga panahon ng krisis at pagbabago, lalo pang mahalaga ang pagkakaroon ng matibay na kalusugan ng isip upang matugunan ang mga hamon ng lipunan.

        Sa personal na buhay, ang pangangalaga sa kalusugan ng isip ay nagreresulta sa pagiging mas produktibo at mas positibong kaisipan. Kapag ang isang indibidwal ay may malusog na kalusugan ng isip, mas madali niyang nararanasan ang kasiyahan at kapanatagan sa sarili. Ito rin ay nagbibigay sa kanya ng lakas ng loob na harapin ang mga hamon ng buhay at ang kakayahan na magtagumpay sa mga ito.

        Sa aspetong panglipunan, ang mga indibidwal na may maayos na kalusugan ng isip ay nagiging aktibong bahagi ng komunidad. Sila ay mas maunawain sa mga pangangailangan ng kanilang kapwa at mas handang magbigay ng suporta at tulong sa mga taong nangangailangan. Ang ganitong pagkakaisa at pagkakilanlan ay naglilikha ng mas makatarungan at mas makabuluhan na lipunan.

        Ngunit sa kabila ng kahalagahan nito, marami pa rin ang nakakaranas ng stigma at diskriminasyon kapag usapang kalusugan ng isip. Maraming kailangang gawin upang mabago ang pananaw ng lipunan tungkol dito. Kailangang magkaroon ng mas malawak at mas maayos na edukasyon tungkol sa kalusugang ito, hindi lamang sa mga indibidwal kundi pati na rin sa mga institusyon at pamahalaan.

        Sa kabuuan, ang pangangalaga sa kalusugan ng isip ay isang responsableng hakbang na dapat isapuso ng bawat isa. Sa pagtulong sa isa't isa na pangalagaan ang ating mga isipan, tayo ay nagbibigay ng kontribusyon sa pagpapabuti ng ating lipunan at sa pagtataguyod ng isang mas mabuting kinabukasan para sa lahat.

          Si William ay isang karaniwang mamamayan sa isang maliit na bayan sa Pilipinas. Mula pagkabata, tinuruan na siya ng kanyang mga magulang tungkol sa kahalagahan ng pagmamahal sa bayan. Nang siya'y lumaki, ipinakita niya ang kanyang pagmamahal sa bayan sa iba't ibang paraan.

         Tuwing Pista ng Bayan, si William at ang kanyang pamilya ay palaging abala sa paghahanda hindi lamang para sa kanilang sarili, kundi para rin sa mga kapitbahay na mas nangangailangan. Naghahanda sila ng pagkain at tumutulong sa pag-aayos ng mga dekorasyon sa barangay. Tinuturuan din ni William ang kanyang mga kapatid tungkol sa kasaysayan ng kanilang bayan upang maging inspirasyon ito sa kanila.

         Bilang isang guro, si William ay nagbibigay ng dagdag na aralin tungkol sa kasaysayan ng Pilipinas at sa mga bayani na nag-alay ng kanilang buhay para sa kalayaan. Nagtatag siya ng isang club na tinatawag na "Bayan Ko, Mahal Ko" kung saan tinuturuan niya ang mga mag-aaral na magtanim ng mga puno, maglinis ng kapaligiran, at mag-organisa ng mga aktibidad na makakatulong sa komunidad.

        Aktibong miyembro si William ng kanilang barangay. Siya ang nangunguna sa mga proyekto tulad ng paglilinis ng mga ilog, pagtatanim ng puno, at pagtuturo ng waste segregation. Kapag may sakuna tulad ng bagyo, si William ay laging handang mag-volunteer upang tumulong sa relief operations at magbigay ng tulong sa mga nasalanta.

        Sa bawat aspeto ng kanyang buhay, ipinapakita ni William ang pagmamahal sa kanyang bayan. Sa pamamagitan ng mga simpleng gawain at pagtutulungan, naging inspirasyon siya sa kanyang pamilya, mga estudyante, at komunidad. Dahil sa kanyang mga ginawa, mas lalong naging matibay ang samahan ng kanilang barangay at mas naging maayos at mapayapa ang kanilang komunidad.

Sa isang tahimik na bayan sa kanayunan, may isang batang lalaki na nagngangalang Michael. Si Michael ay kilala sa kanyang kabutihang loob at matinding hangaring makatulong sa kanyang komunidad. Isang araw, habang pauwi mula sa paaralan, nakita niya ang mga batang naglalaro sa ilog malapit sa kanilang barangay.

        Napansin ni Michael na ang ilog ay marumi at hindi ligtas para sa mga bata. Naisip niya na dapat itong linisin upang maging ligtas para sa lahat. Gusto niyang linisin ang ilog upang maprotektahan ang kalusugan ng mga kabataan sa kanilang barangay.

        Nag-isip si Michael kung paano maisasakatuparan ang kanyang layunin. "Kailangan ko ng tulong ng mga kapitbahay at kaibigan para mas madali at mabilis nating mapaganda ang ilog," sabi niya sa kanyang sarili. Matapos magdesisyon, itinakda niya ang kanyang layunin: mapabuti ang kalagayan ng ilog at matulungan ang komunidad.

       Masusi niyang pinag-aralan ang mga paraan ng paglilinis. Nagtanong-tanong siya sa mga matatanda at nagbasa ng impormasyon kung paano linisin ang ilog nang ligtas at epektibo. Pagkatapos ay nagpasya siyang gumamit ng mga simpleng materyales tulad ng mga kalakal para sa paglilinis ng ilog.

       Isa sa mga mahirap na desisyon ni Michael ay ang mamahagi ng impormasyon sa mga kapitbahay at kaibigan. Ipinagtanggol niya ang kanilang proyekto laban sa mga nag-aabuso at itinuro ang kahalagahan ng pagkakaisa at pagmamahal sa kapwa.

      Sa bawat hakbang at desisyon, ginamit ni Michael ang kanyang talino upang matupad ang kanyang layunin. Tinulungan niya ang mga tao na magkaroon ng malinaw na pag-unawa sa pagkakaisa at itinuro ang tamang paraan ng paglilinis ng ilog.

     Bilang bunga ng kanyang mga kilos at pasiya, nagkaroon ng malaking pagbabago sa kanilang komunidad. Lumakas ang kanyang impluwensya at naging modelo siya ng pagkakaisa at pag-ibig sa kapwa.

Tinatalakay sa nasabing talata ang malaking kontribusyon ng mga overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) sa ekonomiya ng Pilipinas, partikular sa pamamagitan ng kanilang remittances. Noong 2022, umabot sa 36.1 bilyon ang remittances ng OFW na nag ambag ng 8.9% sa gross national product (GNP) at 8.1% sa gross national income (GNI) ng bansa. Ang kontribusyong ito ay nadagdagan pa noong 2023, na umabot sa all time high na 37.2 bilyon, na sumusuporta sa ekonomiya at tumutulong sa pagbawi nito mula sa pandemya.