The trend of democratization is present even in technology. With the advent of new technologies, communication of information is becoming more and more participatory in nature. Gone are the days when media and culture were primarily in the hands of the few, much like in the days of the guilds: the advent of New Media, or information and communication technologies (ICTs) with networking and interactive characteristics, has transformed the receivers of information as content providers themselves.
According to a recent study by the Singapore Management University, 80% of the total population are mobile subscribers. Internet penetration is 29.7%, ranking 6th in the world in terms of Internet users1. Together with increasing penetration rates, New Media's interactive and networked characteristics easily integrate it to traditional forms of communication that allow content to reach non-users of New Media.
New Media can potentially affect dissemination and development of culture and a potential shift from the monopoly of the academe and professionals to the grassroots itself; the collective wisdom of the people thus takes precedent in molding the national consciousness of the people. It has opened new and accessible venues for artists to share their theoretical and applied contributions to Filipino culture. Its multimedia characteristic also accommodates any artist or cultural worker regardless of what form they use.
It is under these perspectives that we conclude the use of New Media as a vehicle for culture to have great potential in making Filipino culture be effective, broad-reaching and truly be for and by the people.
Pandayan sa Daluyan is the very first attempt in the country to merge New Media to promote and develop culture. Pandayan sa Daluyan (v1.0) is supported by the National Commission on Culture and the Arts.
