The Philippine Online Chronicles

Blogging is no longer only a personal outlet of expression – it has now become the most potent tool in shaping public awareness on important social issues.

A recent study on voter demographics show that 42 percent of an estimated 20 million Filipino internet users rely primarily on blogs for information.

Sensing the need for a “better-educated” discussion of electoral issues on the web, bloggers and media guests gathered at the Max's Restaurant in Makati City today to formally launch Blogwatch – a joint online venture of the Vibal Foundation – mainly of its news website, The Philippine Online Chronicles – and a group of bloggers led by project editor, Noemi Lardizabal-Dado.

“The aim of Blogwatch is to give Filipinos, especially the youth, exactly what they need when they need it, and to try to produce a voter-body in time for the 2010 elections,” read a press statement.

Some of the most read articles on the website are tutorials on the automated elections, campaign spending and other features that offer a hindsight into the most relevant electoral issues today.

Dado described her network of bloggers as one “comprising of diverse personalities and interests.”

The writers have been handpicked through endorsements within blogging circles, Dado explained of the selection process. “They are mostly personal bloggers,” she said, “The youngest being only 21 and the oldest 66.”

Dado revealed that she is currently in the talks with Commission on Elections Spokesperson James Jimenez on a possible tie-up with BagongBotante, the online forum of the poll body.

“We are also looking into sealing a partnership with the PPCRV (Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting) as well as with [the website] Political Arena,” she shared.

Blogwatch can also be accessed through social networking site, Facebook and as well as on Plurk and Twitter.

Dado, in her speech, promoted citizen journalism and encouraged fellow bloggers to contribute articles to Blogwatch. Interested parties may contact her at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

For more information on Blog Watch, click here.

Photo by author. Some rights reserved.

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