The Makati Business Club and USAID Change hosted a groundbreaking online training program via Zoom on June 13, 14, 20, and 21.

The training focused on the Digital Democracy initiative. City Administrator Engr. Sonny Godoy led the Batangas City group in this training program. He acknowledged the active participation of various city government offices and other non- government participants like the Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), and the academe.

The program aims to demonstrate commitment to improving local administration through digital methods.
Digital Democracy is an innovative online consultation approach allowing City Mayors to solicit citizen feedback on policy directly. This effort enables the city government to adapt its policies to reflect people's priorities better. The program specifically recommends that the City Government of Batangas addresses key governance areas such as citizen feedback and query mechanisms, freedom of information, public financial management processes, citizen participation in planning, project development, budgeting, and the monitoring of responsiveness, inclusivity, and effectiveness of government services by accountability standards.

The significance of Digital Democracy stems from its ability to influence government choices and activities, ensuring that they meet citizens' actual needs and preferences. By participating in this program, the City Government of Batangas hopes to build a more participatory and responsive governing model that values citizens' opinions.