MANILA, Philippines - For Rappler, 2011 and 2012 were memorable because it they marked a period of discovery, connection, and engagement.

We were amazed at how diverse yet similar community concerns were in Baguio, Davao, Manila, Cagayan de Oro, Naga, Zamboanga, Los Baños, Bacolod, Dumaguete, and Cebu. From issues relating to the environment, power, politics and social media, the same message reverberated: we want to bring about change.

Rappler, through its citizen journalism arm, Move.PH, and in partnership with Visayas State University (VSU), starts 2013 by bringing its "Social Media for Social Change" chat series to Eastern Visayas.

Dubbed #MoveLeyte, the 11th of the chat series will be held on Jan 25, 2013, 8:00 am -2:00 pm, at the state university's convention center in Baybay City, Leyte.

In line with the theme, "Tukmang paggamit sa social media alang sa matinud-anong piniliay" (Harnessing social media for honest elections), the Move.PH event will introduce its citizen journalism platform for Rappler's #PHVote coverage of the 2013 elections.

Register online

Students, faculty members, youth organizations, advocacy groups, and government agencies from Leyte and Samar are invited to participate in the Eastern Visayas leg of the series, a free event.

Rappler CEO and executive editor Maria Ressa will headline the event with her keynote address about the power of social media and how it can bring about social change especially in the context of the 2013 elections.

Veteran journalist and Rappler's citizen journalism director Chay Hofileña will discuss how citizen journalists can alter election culture.

Rappler reporter Natashya Gutierrez will share the fun and challenge of multimedia reporting.

Rappler social media head Michael Josh Villanueva will discuss how social media can be used in pushing for clean and honest elections.

Patricia Evangelista, Rappler multimedia reporter, will talk about the importance of telling compelling stories.

Click and register online for #MoveLeyte.

For inquiries, contact Voltaire Tupaz on Twitter or via e-mail: voltaire.tupaz@rappler.com

Can't make it to Baybay City? Get updates through our LIVE BLOG here:

- Rappler.com