The city government, through the Management Information System (MIS), has launched the 1st Marikina Web Awards.

The competition, which aims to encourage citywide participation in governance through the use of the Internet, is open to Marikina’s 16 barangays, 10 public high schools, and 17 public elementary schools. They will be given one month to develop a homegrown Website showcasing the participants’ respective profiles. Entries will be judged according to the following criteria: content, 35%; design, 25%; usability, 20%; and functionality, 20%.

Mayor Ma. Lourdes Fernando said the Marikina Web Awards project illustrates the city’s commitment to empower its citizens to make informed decisions through technology tools such as the Internet. “The project also reflects the vision of the Department of Education to encourage each school in the country to create a Website,” she said.

Councilor Donn Carlo Favis, head of MIS, added that through the Marikina Web Awards, Marikina hopes to promote the Internet as a method for disseminating key information such as a barangay’s primary services and how to properly avail of those services.

Furthermore, the Marikina Web Awards project is inspired by the recognition the city received at the 10th Philippine Web Awards. Marikina’s Website won top honors in the e-local government unit category.

The awarding ceremonies will be held on June 13, 2008 6 p.m., at Teatro Marikina. The first prize winner will receive PhP15,000; second prize, PhP10,000; and third prize, PhP5,000.