BUTUAN CITY -- In time with the conduct of the Transparency Roadshow in Surigao City in the province of Surigao del Norte, representatives from various sectors showed their support for the implementation of the Freedom of Information (FOI) in government institutions through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), which gained positive feedback from Surigaonons.
 
Jocelyn Ferol, reporter of RMN-dxRS in Surigao City bared that with FOI, information gathering to the different government entities were made easier and readily available. Hence, there is less burden on their part as as media practitioners. “I’m happy that I am part of this Transparency Roadshow especially that one of the discussions involved the implementation of the Freedom of Information in the city. With FOI, the mechanism on how we get the information from various government agencies is easier and more convenient. There is really a close coordination among government entities and the media,” she said.

Surigao del Norte Vice Governor Eddie Gokiangkee highlighted the relevance of implementing the FOI in all government institutions by upholding an open and transparent governance, and increasing the level of awareness of the Surigaonons and the general public on the efforts, initiatives and undertakings of the government as it provides different programs and services to the populace.
 
“I am very positive that we can sustain a transparent government to maintain also the trust and confidence which people continue to give us. The Presidential Communications Operations Office's transparency roadshow is a good endeavor and deserves a front seat on our government system. Working together, shoulder-to-shoulder to effect necessary reforms in the communities we serve. Ee give our all to do what is right and beneficial for the public we serve. Congratulations to PCOO and other participating stakeholders for actively taking part in this transparency roadshow," he said.
 
The Surigao State College of Technology (SSCT), through its president Dr. Gregorio Z. Gamboa, Jr., also received the FOI information, education and communication (IEC) materials to be used by their students.
 
Meanwhile, Krizia Casey Avejar, chief of Communications and Capacity Development Division, FOI Project Management Office emphasized that every Filipino shall have access to information, official records, public records and documents and papers pertaining to official acts, transactions or decisions, as well government research data used as basis for policy development.
 
PCOO Secretary Martin Andanar stressed that transparency and accountability particularly in government have never been more alive in the Philippines, and it is only under President Rodrigo Roa Duterte’s administration that the Filipino people have put forward such a cause, as part of its fight against all forms of corruption. (JPG/PIA-Caraga)