I have noticed that a lot of government websites are either incomplete or stagnant. Some only have beautiful homepages with their logos on them while others have empty repositories of output. I find this disheartening because it diminishes the role of the government in the mainstream channels of communication, e.g. the internet. Hence, being a “concerned citizen”, I hereby propose the following measures to utilize and fortify government websites.
First, these offices should assign a team to do the mechanical job of uploading all of their outputs, reports, rulings, circulars, memoranda, or whatever results they are mandated with by law. I do not think that the format of the file (pdf, Word, etc.) is that relevant. What is more relevant and important is that they make these materials available on their website for the people to access and use easily.
Second and last, they should also create a group which takes charge of their online query system. Usually, they have this feature on their website where you can type your question and email it to them. However, it only amounts to that. Either you get no reply or you get one which only forwards you to another office or bombards you with questions asking you why you need the information. The least that they could do is to provide their address and a map showing their location so people can just go to their offices to personally inquire.
I think that these two measures are as important as they trite. It should not be all about the website, its logos and mission in big bold letters. Rather, it should be on making their offices relevant in this information age. It not only strengthens their role in nation-building. It also spares them the apathy in personally dealing with citizens.
~Michelle P. M. Sabitsana
No comments:
Post a Comment