DUMAGUETE CITY, Feb 10 (PIA) -- The Dumaguete City government will host this year’s first leg of the nationwide Freedom of Information (FOI) Transparency Roadshow on Feb. 16 at Negros Oriental State University (NORSU) Gym, this city.

The roadshow is spearheaded by the Freedom of Information-Project Management Office (FOI-PMO) in cooperation with the Philippine Information Agency (PIA).

It aims to inform around 300 barangay officials from 30 barangays in the city on how to access government records, documents, and data or information.

The implementation of FOI, by virtue of Executive Order No. 2 series of 2016, serves as the platform for disclosure of information to the public.

Expected to attend the activity are PIA Director General Usec. Ramon Lee Cualoping III, Dumaguete City Mayor Felipe Antonio Remollo as keynote speaker, FOI-PMO Communications and Capacity Division Chief Krizza Casey Avejar; and NORSU President Dr. Joel Limson.

The following speakers from Manila will talk about their transparency initiatives or implementation of full devolution of FOI: Usec. Wilford Will Wong of the Department of Budget and Management (DBM);  Community Affairs Officer Andro Santiago of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH); and Department of Science and Technology-PHIVOLCS Supervising Science Research Specialist Mabelline Cahulogan.

To intensify the localization of FOI program, the roadshow also aims to revisit the commitment of the city government in this whole-of-nation endeavor.

The FOI Philippines and the national and local officials, including the Liga ng mga Barangay, are expected to sign on the Transparency Wall of Commitment as part of its commitment to promote and facilitate nationwide utilization and implementation of FOI program.

The activity will not only help in disseminating valuable information about the government’s flagship programs but also aid in involving the citizens in taking part in civic discourse and public affairs. (JCT/PIA7 Negros Oriental)