MANILA – The government continues to build cooperation and deepen unity with the Filipino people through the conduct of the “Dagyaw 2020: Open Government Virtual Townhall Meetings” that will run from Oct. 8 to Dec. 3.

Cabinet officials, together with experts from non-government sectors, will tackle issues and provide updates about major plans, programs, and projects that would help address the needs of the people in the face of coronavirus-induced headwinds.

Dagyaw 2020 will also serve as an open, neutral, and protected space for the public to freely ask questions, raise their concerns, and give suggestions on the ways to improve government policies.

The conduct of this series of virtual town hall meetings is a result of a successful collaboration among different government agencies, spearheaded by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), Department of Budget and Management (DBM), and the Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) in cooperation with the Caucus of Development NGO Networks and Right to Know, Right Now! Coalition.

It is anchored in the objective of the National Task Force Against COVID-19 Sub-Task Group on Governance to ensure people-centered, clean, technology-enabled, and responsive governance in addressing Covid-19.

Dagyaw began on Oct. 8 with its first episode, “Usapang Edukasyon: Is PH Ready for Distance/Blended Learning?” that was participated by the Department of Education, United Nations Children’s Fund, and E-NET Philippines.

Dialogues will resume on Oct. 15 for “Usapang Trabaho” with the Department of Labor and Employment, International Labor Organization, and NAGKAISA Labor Coalition.

This will be followed by “Usapang OFW: Kinabukasan at Kalagayan ng OFWs sa Panahon ng Pandemya” on Oct. 22 with the Department of Foreign Affairs, Blas F. Ople Policy Center and Training Institute, and Center for Migrant Advocacy.

On the last Thursday of the month, Oct. 29, the Department of Agriculture, World Bank, and Samahan ng Nagkakaisang Samahan ng mga Magsasaka will join “Usapang Agri: Ahon Lahat Para sa Pagkaing Sapat.”

The outputs from these dialogues will serve as key references of government in public decision-making, and shape and update government policies that can lead to better public sector performance and service delivery.

In observance of the required health protocols and limitations to travel and mass gatherings in place due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the conduct of the Dagyaw 2020 will utilize various civic technology and online platforms.

The episodes will be livestreamed through the official Facebook pages of various government agencies including the Philippine Open Government Partnership, DILG, DBM, and PCOO, 2 to 4:30 p.m.

To join the Dagyaw dialogues, visit the Philippine Open Government Partnership Facebook page for announcements. Also, check the social media pages of DILG, DBM, and PCOO for more information and for the schedule of the next four episodes. (PR)