The Department of the Interior and Local Government – National Capital Region (DILG-NCR) achieved a significant milestone in advancing the Manila Bay Clean-up, Rehabilitation, and Preservation Program (MBCRPP) with the conduct of the Manila Bay – Data Capture Form (MB-DCF) and Strategic Communication Workshop. The activity, held in the last week of July, drew participants all 17 NCR Local Government Units (LGUs) that are responsible for MB-DCF implementation and the design and production of information, education, and communication strategies.

The workshop started with a session showcasing best practices of the cities of Muntinlupa and Valenzuela, both of which received recognition in the IEC cluster during the Local Government Compliance Audit (LGU CA) in 2022.

Philippine Information Agency – NCR Regional Director Emver Cortez, a noted expert in strategic communications, imparted valuable insights into the process of crafting a result-oriented communication plan. RD Cortez introduced participants to the “Gamma Table: GAMMMA+”, an effective communication planning strategy incorporating the elements of a good communication plan: Goal, Audience, Message, Messenger, Media, Action, and Evaluation.

In a series of lectures and workshops, participants actively brainstormed engaging approaches to communicate effectively with the various audience targetted under the MBCRP Program. In the course of the workshop, attendees developed a sample GAMMA Table aimed at driving purposeful communication regarding environmental issues, with the ultimate goal of fostering behavioral change among the audiences sought to be reached.

The next segment of the event featured an informative discussion led by the MBCRPP Program Management Team on the DILG Memorandum Circular 2023-019, titled “Guidelines on the use of the Manila Bay Clean-up, Rehabilitation, and Preservation Program’s Manila Bayanihan Data Capture Form Online System (MB-DCFOS)”. This session focused on the system features, the correct usage of MB-DCF, the process of uploading accurate data, and lastly, troubleshooting common issues raised by LGUs.

The event concluded on a high note with a closing message from LGOO VI Marlon Clyde Camilon, who thanked the participants for their active involvement in and unwavering support for the MBCRP Program. He likewise commended them for their commitment to restore Manila Bay to its original pristine state for the benefit of the present and future generations.

The DILG-NCR remains dedicated to fostering a collaborative environment among LGUs, strengthening institutional arrangements, and promoting behavioral change to ensure the sustainable success of the Manila Bay Clean-up, Rehabilitation, and Preservation Program.#