The university Public Information and Communications Office (PICO) through its representatives attended the annual FOI Receiving Officers’ Hangouts of the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) through its Freedom of Information-Program Management Office (FOI-PMO). This national event was held at the Coral Ballroom of the Grand Xing Imperial Hotel on July 18, 2024 and was attended by PICO’s Information Officer 3, Lucille P. Jaspe and Jephthah C. Sustituido, Information Officer I.
Central to the goal of championing the right to access government information are the FOI Officers, who play a vital role in advocating for and ensuring the effective implementation of the program within their respective agencies. As frontliners it is crucial to capacitate the FOI Officers to implement the FOI Program efficiently. Thus, this event was conducted to expand their networks and advance their abilities and knowledge in bridging government information to the public.
The activities during the FOI-RO Hangouts included the discussions on the major accomplishments, challenges, and innovative solutions to further the improvement of the implementation of the FOI Program. Handling FOI Requests, Data Privacy Issues, List of FOI exceptions, program monitoring and evaluation and eFOI portal were also discussed.
As Ms. Dianne M. Gammad, Senior Compliance Monitoring Officer discussed, ”it is important to monitor the FOI requests, update the status to the requestor and make sure that the releasing of the documents conforms the standard period which is 7-15-20 or the maximum of 35 working days.” She added that In case of delays, the last person who holds the document is the person accountable for the action and shall face the consequences under the FOI Policy.
The FOI Receiving Officers Hangouts also serves as an avenue for sharing best practices in accessing information, collaborating with other agencies and identifying documents for public consumption and are frequently requested. It was also advised by Ms. Marinella R. Ricafrance, Engagement Officer of the Presidential Communication Office that eFOI is currently under maintenance as they improve the portal for a more efficient and effective service.
