A crowdsourced SONA? Palace gathers opinions online

MANILA, Philippines - Malacañang had been careful not to spill contents of President Benigno Aquino III's fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA), but opened a webpage that culls the netizens' version of the address.

Asking users to post their own SONA, Aquino's official website president.gov.ph launched a page where people can comment on the government's performance and share their resolutions to contribute to the country's problems.

"Inaanyayahan ka naming i-share ang iyong SONA. Ang inyong mga SONA ay ipapadala sa iba’t-ibang mga ahensiya, at isasama sa isang talaan ng mga ideya para ating mapalakas pa ang pag-unlad ng ating bansa," the site says.

On the page spans an infographic of a roadmap listing achievement of executive agencies since Aquino assumed presidency in 2010.

More than 30 Filipinos in the country and abroad have so far contributed to the page, with many expressing their hopes for specific reforms and projects and some commending Aquino's administration for past accomplishments.

"We need an agency to assist Filipinos share their expertise for the younger generation. Make use of their talent and not wasted. POEA, OWWA and professional groups must have the link how to work together on this matter," overseas Filipino worker Zeny Concepcion wrote.

User Wilfredo Caubat echoed the need for "inclusive growth" even with improvements in the economy.

"Amend the restrictive economic constitution. We can attract more foreign direct investors with their latest technology and technical know-how to operate a business," Caubat said.