MMDA and Chris Lao: The importance of listening on social media

Editor’s Note: This piece was originally published in The New Media, a web magazine that tackles how technology can radically change the pulse of business, marketing, and life. This is republished here with permission from Carlo Ople, the editor-in-chief of TNM.

MANILA, Philippines – There’s a big difference in launching digital products and understanding the core value of how social media works. After listening to MMDA’s Traffic Discipline Director Yves Gonzalez during the Social Good Summit, I’m happy to report that they are good at both.

I can honestly say that they truly are one of the most progressive government agencies and organizations in the country today.

During his 10-minute talk, Gonzalez stressed the value of social media being a two-way street. He discussed how listening plays a critical role in how they use Twitter and Facebook. In fact, he shared that they even give MMDA Chairman Francis Tolentino regular social media scan reports. There are times when Tolentino himself would approach Yves and ask him about stuff he just read on Twitter (lol).

The moment in his talk that impressed me the most was when Yves talked about Chris Lao. He said that the MMDA actually looked into the case seriously when Lao said that he “should have been informed” about the floods.

You could feel the sincerity and the sadness in Gonzalez’s voice. That’s probably why they’re investing so much in digital tools and even out-of-home (the LEDs along EDSA) to keep as many people “informed” as possible.

Like what I said earlier, the MMDA is not just the most progressive government agency in the country, they’re one of the most progressive organizations that can go up against any multinational or corporation when it comes to social media. – Rappler.com