Social media’s influence on Filipinos

The numbers have been coming in: the Philippines has one of the highest penetrations in social media, preceding Australia and Indonesia. Further, in 2011’s 24/7 Wall St report, we ranked first in “The Ten Nations Where Facebook Rules the Internet.”

A report of AGB Nielsen Philippines in 2011 showed that more than 50%  of the households have high-speed Internet connection and around 24% are using their mobile devices to access online.

In 2011, Typhoon Sendong badly affected Mindanao. More than 3,000 families were forced to stay in only 17 evacuation sites. Support was scarce until Iligan Bloggers Society launched the One for Iligan Campaign across various social media websites like Twitter and Facebook. Donations then came in droves that on the first day alone.

“These success stories are inspiring and motivational, but it’s also clear that they wouldn’t have happened if social media users haven’t been proactive,” discloses Ruben Licera Jr, president of Cebu Bloggers Society and lead organizer of Social Media Influencers Summit (SMIS) 2013 which will be held on March 16, 2013 at J Centre Convention Hall in Mandaue City, Cebu Philippines.

The summit is co-presented by SMART Communications, Megaworld, Ramon Aboitiz Foundation, Incorporated and J Centre Mall.

It will bring advocacies of Vic Marion Madriaga of CDO Bloggers Society, Hannah Almira Amora, and Lisa Marie Mirasol of Iligan Bloggers Society more openly.

The effects and use of social media in other platforms are going to be tackled as well, such as on politics (by Maria Irene Aserios), Philippine elections (by Kevin Ray Chua), work (by Mary Jane Cabrera of Iloilo Bloggers Society), and business (by Fitz Gerard Villafuerte). Janette Toral will help over 300 participants answer the big question, “Am I a Social Media Influencer?” while Attorney Ethelbert Ouano will stress every user’s rights and corresponding responsibilities. Rappler’s CEO Maria Ressa will serve as keynote speaker.

Know more about Social Media Influencers Summit by visiting www.socialmedia.org.ph.

The Social Media Influencers Summit 2013 is organized by iNewMedia Online Network with Cebu Bloggers Society (CBS). Proceeds from the event will go to Dr. Narciso Tapia Kidney Transplant Fund, Cebu Bloggers Society, and World Vision. For more information, visit http://summit.socialmedia.org.ph/2013/ or add their Facebook page.