The Philippines’ media landscape is fast evolving. Recent developments with its dynamic digital market have had implications for the way foreign governments and international organisations communicate and engage with Filipinos. This brings both challenges and opportunities for the EU’s public and cultural diplomacy actions in the nation.

On 4 September 2020, 58 experts and practitioners from 18 EU Member States, the Philippines and nearly a dozen like-minded nations took part in a knowledge sharing webinar on the latest trends in traditional and social media. Representatives came from EU Delegations in South-East Asia, national governments, cultural institutions, the private sector and media.

‘Merging the Best of Both Worlds: Traditional and Social Media’ underscored the importance of local media in public diplomacy, including on crisis communications. Interactive discussions looked at key emerging trends related to freedom of expression, news and information consumption and social media platforms, along with their impact on consumer behaviour. There was also an exchange of strategies to engage local people in a range of national contexts. A set of recommendations resulting from the webinar was presented in a summary report that was made available to other EU Member States.

The 1st Joint Committee between the EU and the Philippines – the highest governance body under their Partnership and Cooperation Agreement – in January 2020 allows for the development of cooperation in different sectors to raise the bilateral relationship to a higher level and strengthen ties based on mutual interest and respect. The latest webinar is amongst many joint actions towards this aim.

Stay informed of further webinars and activities conducted by the EU Delegation to the Philippines (EUD) on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.