We have so many identities

Yesterday, I attended the first 'workshop' of our department. Workshop = Serious Meeting.


It was another intellectually stimulating moment for me. I missed discussions like that. I miss attending discussions about things I am passionate about - communication, planning, public relations. 


The main concern that transpired from that workshop is the tedious job that our division needs to do in order to re-position the image of Mindanao Development Authority to our public. The problem with this agency, aside from relatively being new, is the many identities it carries. 




How do we really want the public to see us?


First, MinDA should be seen as the BIG Brother of all other organizations (LGUs, NGOs, CSOs, and other private and public sectors).
Second, we should be seen as the "THINK TANK" of Mindanao. We should have the answers, the information, the decisions. 
Lastly, the Mindanao Champion. The sole and largest representative of Mindanao to the nation. 


These are heavy projections, OBVIOUSLY. But, this is also where strategic messaging and communication planning comes in. We need to come up with unique strategies that will work for every target audience. Right now, the current strategies that the division is using are more apt for the business and government sectors. 


However, our main concern really is the awareness of the general public about the existence of this institution. Before cascading the development to other people, we should start with the people from Mindanao themselves who have been yearning for development in their respective areas as well, or the Mindanaoans who are still stuck with the negative perceptions that have been made about Mindanao. That mere awareness can already go a long way. Knowing that the grassroots are aware and looking up to this agency might even motivate this organization to further contextualize its projects, policies, and researches. At the same time, people would gain even a slight sense of confidence to be in Mindanao, and to know that there is one specific government agency that is dedicated to the development of Mindanao.


We need to empower the youth, assist them in gaining appreciation for their own island. They should be able to defend their own origins, through their own perspectives and resources,  and the rest of country can go on with their prejudices.  


We need to assist the SMEs and recognize their remarkable contributions to our economy. 


We need to be keen in the investments that are coming in, to avoid exploitation of Mindanao potentials.


We need more stories that can depict Mindanao's rich and unique culture and beauty.


The donors, NGOs can only pour so much in a given time frame, then they leave.


MinDA stays. MinDA sustains what have been started - or at least it should.