Natural calamities and the attendant financial slump world-wide have created a desperate need among diverse people for information and relief. In response, Filipino broadcaster Daniel Razon is utilizing his Twitter page to channel more of his public services to reach those in need.

His Twitter account @DanielRazon now provides an easier and faster access to the global people needing assistance. Besides posting public service advisories, Razon also personally answers tweets of people asking for help to guide them what to do and receive what they need.

JC Sapio (@endures4ever) was the first to tweet Razon for help, asking for a place where he can permanently reside. His tweet on March 21 reads: “Broken family po ako wala akung bahay sa terminal ng bus lang ako na22log 2longan mo ako kuya wala na akung magawa (I am a product of a broken family, I don’t have a home so I sleep in a bus terminal, please help me Big Brother, there’s nothing that I can do.”

In response, Razon tweeted in the vernacular, “Go to our transient home so we will know how we can help you.”

This March, more of Razon’s tweets were centered at providing assistance to the public. In light of all the quandary concerning the closure of Banco Filipino, Razon tweeted on March 16: :To all Banco Filipino depositors: Perfecto Yasay will explain the status of the bank as he sits with me in Get it Straight.” Get it Straight is Razon’s early morning talk program where society’s prominent personalities talk and answer the hottest issues in the local scene.

Meanwhile, for anyone who needs shelter in quake- and tsunami-stricken Japan, Razon tweeted on March 17: “Our coordinating center in Japan is now open for any assistance that we can give to those that are in need. Let us Pray for God’s help.”

Razon started tweeting in January 2010 and has been voted twice as finalist for Best Journalist category in the Shorty Awards, the “Oscars” for Twitter held annually. At last March 28’s ceremony, Razon landed sixth place among the Journalist Shorty Award Leaders. The Shorty Awards is now on its 3rd year.

Positively different from other Twitter users specifically among his peers of journalists, most of Razon’s tweets mirror realities reflected from current events and Biblical wisdom, written artistically in a poetic arrangement.

As CEO of local network UNTV, Razon took advantage of UNTV to further his advocacy to do good to others. It is through this media network that he launched the Kahit Isang Araw Lang or Just One Day advocacy, an initiative to engage people in doing good deeds even for just a day.

Razon’s pioneering social services such as free commuter rides and daily medical missions earned him the title “Mr. Public Service.” He is also fondly called “Kuya Daniel” by both young and adults mainly because of his big brother-like trait, always ready to protect and help his younger siblings.

Meanwhile, Daniel Razon’s official website is vying for People’s Choice award in the 12th Philippine Web Awards (PWA). Since 2004, Razon’s website has consistently won the People’s Choice Award in the Celebrities and Personalities category. In the 10th PWA, it received both trophies for Best Website and People’s Choice in the same category.

This year, the site was nominated semifinalist in the “Personal” category. The awarding ceremony is set on April 8, 2011 in Makati City, Philippines.

To vote for him, please visit the Philippine Web Awards’ People’s Choice Website. – Hazel Chavez-David