"The integration of new media and other technologies into people's campaigns is a necessary to improve the effectivity of arousing, organizing and mobilizing the masses,” said Mr. Rick Bahague, national coordinator of the Computer Professionals' Union (CPU). “While the social conditions and thus the methods to change it still remain, our means of spreading them must take in consideration the new channels of information opening up.”
The CPU, has recently concluded the first day of their seminar called “AOM 2.0: Integrating Info-Activism in People's Campaigns,” held at the UCCP Center for Education and Development (CENDET) in Cebu City. Participating people's organizations are trained in the maximization of various ICTs and new media to improve the efficiency of their campaigns.
With topics ranging from the best experiences of advocacy campaigns in the Philippines and the use of new media tools such as social networking and blogging for advocacy work, the CPU organized “AOM 2.0” with Digiactive.Org, Kodao Productions, HARAKATI-ASIA and the Ibon People's Education Resource Center as co-organizers and CERNET Inc., CENDET-UCCP, Organization for Visual Progression and the Visayan Community Medical Center.
Ms. Mary Joyce, the former head of the New Media Operations for the Barack Obama Campaign and a co-founder of DigiActive.Org, is one of the facilitators along with Director Boni Ilagan, Kodao Productions, Organization for Visual Progression, members of CPU and other progressive groups.
The Philippine premiere of "Burma VJ", an award-winning film documentary on the human rights abuses in Burma was shown in a video night session.
“The spread of the Information Era even into developing nations is now a significant factor we cannot ignore that is affecting the dynamics of society,” said Mr. Bahague, with regards to the rising use of new media and other alternative information and communication technologies or ICTs in the Philippines.
“Various organizations regardless of which sectors they come from can give their campaigns a quantum boost with the appropriate digital technologies,” added Mr. Bahague. “The important thing is that their campaigns continue to uphold the interests of the Filipino people as a key to success.”# # #
Pictures: http://www.cp-union.com/cpunion/slideshow
