𝐂𝐄𝐁𝐔 𝐏𝐈𝐎 𝐒𝐓𝐔𝐃𝐈𝐄𝐒 𝐐𝐔𝐄𝐙𝐎𝐍 𝐂𝐈𝐓𝐘’𝐒 𝐃𝐈𝐆𝐈𝐓𝐀𝐋 𝐅𝐎𝐈 𝐒𝐘𝐒𝐓𝐄𝐌, 𝐄𝐗𝐏𝐀𝐍𝐃𝐒 𝐁𝐄𝐍𝐂𝐇𝐌𝐀𝐑𝐊𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐄𝐅𝐅𝐎𝐑𝐓𝐒
The Cebu Provincial Information Office (PIO) conducted a benchmarking visit to Quezon City to gain deeper insights into its successful Freedom of Information (FOI) program, particularly its fully digital platform that enables residents to conveniently submit requests for information and file complaints online.
The system reflects Quezon City’s commitment to efficiency, accessibility, and citizen-centered governance.
The Cebu delegation was also honored to meet with Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte, whose administration has been recognized for advancing open governance through technology-driven public services.
Officials from the Quezon City Public Affairs and Information Services Department (PAISD), led by Engelbert C. Apostol, City Department Head III, and Jarielle Reyes, Assistant Department Head, together with their division chiefs, welcomed the team and shared best practices in managing information requests, improving response times, and leveraging innovation to strengthen public trust.
Representatives from the city’s Administrator and Legal Offices also joined the discussions to explain the policies, compliance measures, and operational frameworks that support the effective implementation of FOI.
As part of the visit, the Cebu team toured the city’s modern studio for its news and public affairs program, demonstrating how strategic communication reinforces transparency and active citizen engagement.
The Provincial Government of Cebu extended its sincere gratitude to the Quezon City Government and PAISD for the warm welcome and for generously sharing their expertise, which will help guide the province in enhancing its own FOI systems.
The benchmarking initiative supports Governor Pamela S. Baricuatro’s firm commitment to transparency—one of the reasons she signed Executive Order No. 3 among her first issuances upon assuming office.
To further deepen its understanding and ensure the proper and full implementation of FOI in the province, the Cebu team is scheduled to meet with the FOI Office of the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) tomorrow, followed by a visit to the Pasig City government on Friday.
Through these collaborative efforts, the Cebu Provincial Government continues to move toward a more open, accountable, and people-centered governance—ensuring that every Cebuano has easier access to timely and accurate government information.
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