𝐂𝐀𝐏𝐈𝐓𝐎𝐋 𝐏𝐈𝐎 𝐁𝐄𝐍𝐂𝐇𝐌𝐀𝐑𝐊𝐒 𝐍𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍𝐀𝐋 𝐅𝐎𝐈 𝐈𝐌𝐏𝐋𝐄𝐌𝐄𝐍𝐓𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍
MANILA CITY — A delegation from the Cebu Provincial Information Office (PIO), led by Office Chief Ainjeliz de la Torre-Orong, visited the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) on February 12 to strengthen Cebu’s implementation of the Freedom of Information (FOI) program.
During the visit, the team received a briefing from the Freedom of Information–Program Management Office (FOI-PMO) at the Malacañang Compound, where national government officials shared best practices, compliance mechanisms, and operational strategies for effective FOI rollout.
The discussion was facilitated by FOI-PMO Project Manager Jaya Illustrisimo and Compliance and Monitoring Officer Frances Paula Libo-on, who noted that 98 local government units (LGUs), including Cebu Province, have established FOI mechanisms through executive orders or ordinances.
In November last year, Cebu Province, under the leadership of Governor Pamela Baricuatro, was recognized by the PCO as one of the LGUs that passed FOI guidelines, demonstrating its commitment to transparency, access to information, and the institutionalized implementation of the FOI Program.
The recognition affirms the Capitol’s continuing effort to uphold the people’s right to information and promote a culture of open governance.
Transparency in governance through FOI has been a central and defining priority of Governor Baricuatro. Upon assuming office on June 30, 2025, she signed Executive Order No. 3, implementing the FOI Program across the provincial government.
The order covers all provincial offices, departments, hospitals, instrumentalities, component offices, special units, and local special bodies, ensuring that citizens may access public information, official records, research data used in policymaking, and details of government transactions and decisions, subject to legal exceptions.
The PIO delegation also paid a courtesy call on PCO Secretary Dave M. Gomez and toured key PCO facilities, including the briefing room used for televised press conferences of the Palace Press Officer.
The engagement forms part of Cebu Province’s broader effort to institutionalize transparency, accountability, and citizen access to public information. By aligning local FOI practices with national standards, the provincial government aims to enhance public trust, improve governance, and deliver more responsive public service to Cebuanos. | CAPITOL PIO
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