The Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) is set to hold its first town hall event on social media policy at the Bahay ng Alumni in University of the Philippines in Diliman, Quezon City on Thursday, February 23.

Dubbed as #AllMediaPH, the event aims to recognize social media publishers and adopt a social media policy.

“This event hopes to present challenges facing social media. Since social media practitioners work independently, they have different standards,” Presidential Communications Secretary Martin Andanar said.

“The Philippines aims to have mature and responsible populace dealing with social media content,” the Communications Chief added.

Andanar, who will deliver the keynote address, noted that the event is timely as the government is currently reviewing a plan to set up guidelines on accreditation of bloggers and other social media practitioners.

The highlight of the town hall is the presentation of the draft Social Media Policy. Resource speakers from various sectors and interest groups are expected to present their views and opinions.

There will also be an open forum where participants may express their views on matters related to social media.

Influential names in local media and communications, legal luminaries, social media practitioners, university professors, and students are expected to attend the social media forum.

The PCOO will release the results of the forum and will announce the next phase it will take.

President Rodrigo Duterte earlier granted the request of some bloggers and social media supporters to cover Palace events during their meeting with the Chief Executive in Malacañan.

“Coming up with a social media policy is aligned with the Duterte administration’s thrust to champion freedom of speech and expression,” Andanar said.

The event will be held from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. It will also be broadcasted live on PTV4, DZRB 738 kHz, Facebook @presidentialcom, and YouTube RTVMalacanang. ###