USAID assists CDI cities strengthen content creation and management for COVID-19

More than 30 communication officers from the local governments and water districts of Cities Development Initiative (CDI) cities of Batangas, Cagayan de Oro, General Santos, Iloilo, Puerto Princesa, Tagbilaran, Zamboanga and the province of Bohol gained more knowledge to strengthen emergency or crisis content creation and management through a virtual workshop organized by USAID’s Strengthening Urban Resilience for Growth with Equity (SURGE) Project on April 7, 2020. In the event of a crisis of emergency such as the COVID-19 pandemic, local governments face the challenge of effective and timely dissemination of clear and relevant information to various stakeholders. Through the virtual workshop, the participants were taught how to use design thinking, audience segmentation, and content planning using various communication channels to effectively engage target audiences. The participants were acquainted with the concept of the 3H (Health, Hope, and Help) to serve as a guide for thematic content. Health includes content and messaging for handwashing, social distancing, food supply, health care, etc.; Hope includes LGU efforts, relief operations, and donation drives; and Help includes helplines and boosting other efforts. The creation of adaptive weekly content plans and communication strategies, how to spot fake news, and public inquiry management were also discussed. The virtual workshop is the first of a series of coaching sessions that USAID/SURGE will facilitate to enhance the capacity of the CDI cities in crisis communication. Resources and information shared with the CDI cities are aligned with the guidelines issued by the Department of Health, World Health Organization, Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases, and the Center for Disease Control and Prevention of the United States.