𝐂𝐀𝐏𝐈𝐓𝐎𝐋 𝐏𝐈𝐎 𝐋𝐄𝐀𝐑𝐍𝐒 𝐅𝐑𝐎𝐌 𝐏𝐀𝐒𝐈𝐆 𝐂𝐈𝐓𝐘’𝐒 𝐀𝐖𝐀𝐑𝐃-𝐖𝐈𝐍𝐍𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐅𝐎𝐈 𝐏𝐑𝐎𝐆𝐑𝐀𝐌
PASIG CITY —Capping off its multi-city benchmarking tour, the Cebu Provincial Information Office (PIO) visited Pasig City to study its pioneering and nationally acclaimed Freedom of Information (FOI) program.
Led by PIO Chief Ainjeliz de la Torre-Orong, the benchmarking activity supports Governor Pamela Baricuatro’s push for greater transparency and accountability within the provincial government as the Capitol strengthens its own FOI mechanism.
During the PIO team’s courtesy call, Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto commended Governor Baricuatro’s efforts in championing transparency and easy access to public information.
“Nakikita ko ang mga post ni Gov. Pam… nakakatuwa na may FOI na kayo,” Sotto said, expressing support for Cebu’s reforms.
In 2018, Pasig made history as the first local government unit (LGU) in the country to pass an FOI ordinance, authored by Mayor Sotto during his time as a city councilor.
Transparency Champion’ Award
During the benchmarking session, Pasig City PIO’s Maria Krisna Juangco explained that the city’s FOI framework is anchored on the Ugnayan sa Pasig (UsaP) – Freedom of Information Office, which serves as its primary platform for citizen engagement, transparency, and access to public information.
Today, Pasig’s UsaP office stands as a model of open governance, earning the city the “Transparency Champion” award from the Presidential Communications Office in 2025.
Through Ugnayan, residents and non-residents alike may request records for research and public awareness. The office also functions as a centralized help desk where citizens can file complaints, submit suggestions, report concerns, or request government services.
Upon assuming office in 2019, Mayor Sotto issued an executive order creating the Ugnayan Office. An ordinance was subsequently passed to reinforce UsaP, formally institutionalizing the program and guaranteeing its continuity despite changes in city administration.
Trust in the System
Records show the office handled 9,790 requests in 2019, surging to 66,719 in 2020, and settling at 17,433 in 2023—indicating sustained public trust in the system.
The Capitol PIO team was welcomed by Councilor Angelu de Leon and Majority Floor Leader Mark Gil Delos Santos.
Today’s visit was the last leg of the PIO’s benchmarking activities, which started last Wednesday in Quezon City and continued at the Presidential Communications Office in Malacañang yesterday.
The benchmarking visit underscores Cebu’s continuing push to enhance its own FOI mechanisms by learning from proven local models, reinforcing accountability, participatory governance, and improved public service delivery for its constituents.
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