ZAMBOANGA CITY, Aug 29 (PIA) — The City Government of Zamboanga took a significant step towards fostering transparency and citizen engagement by organizing a dynamic Barangay Freedom of Information (FOI) forum.
The Presidential Communications Office (PCO) spearheaded the event on August 24 with the aim of bolstering public awareness and participation in the FOI initiative.
The FOI program has emerged as a tool in enabling ordinary citizens to access vital public records and information. This powerful mechanism not only addresses crucial issues but also ensures the availability of essential information. The FOI framework encompasses both the traditional method involving hard copy formal requests, submitted to local government offices, and the modern digital avenue, which entails the submission of electronic FOI requests online or via email.
Further, the PCO has remained steadfast in its dedication to encouraging the residents of Zamboanga City to harness the potential of the FOI system where individuals can formally solicit information held by the government, with the exception of sensitive national data.
An FOI Kiosk was also turned-over to the City Government of Zamboanga to encourage more citizens to use the platform for government data and information.
The forum attendees include the City Government employees and officials, Barangay Information Officers, Civil Society Groups and the Media. They were provided with updates on the progress of FOI program implementation, insights into FOI policies harmonizing with data privacy regulations, strategies for proactive information disclosure, and a comprehensive overview of the enhanced FOI requisites. Notably, a hands-on demonstration of the FOI portal to explain the procedural aspects was also done, serving as a guide for participating agencies.
Moreover, the essence of the FOI framework lies in bolstering transparency, ensuring government accountability, enriching public knowledge, and acting as a deterrent against mismanagement and corruption. Significantly, students, especially those pursuing journalism, can leverage the FOI platform to gain improved access to governmental news sources.
FOI Philippines’ Information Technology Officer Martin Jann Ceneta emphasized that they are focusing on localizing the FOI program to encourage more LGUs to pass their local FOI ordinances, saying that “it empowers citizens to practice their right to information”.
The success of the FOI program implementation is attributed in part to the PCO's endeavor to devise an all-encompassing initiative. This approach has made essential information about FOI and its benefits accessible to everyone interested. (KSA/RVC/MLE/JQB-GIP/PIA9-Zamboanga City)
