The Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) under the Office of the President has recognized that librarians are a vital part of the government's thrust to strengthen Freedom of Information or FOI.
What is FOI?
Freedom of Information is a mechanism that allows Filipino citizens to request any information about the operations and transactions of the government. However, this does not include information that can affect privacy or national security. This program is overseen by the PCOO.
The following information can be requested via FOI: "Information, official records, public records, and, documents and papers pertaining to official acts, transactions, or decisions – as well as to government research data used as basis for policy development."
Requests are also accepted via their online platform, https://www.foi.gov.ph/. Proof of identification such as valid IDs may be required. Previous requests are also available to browse on their website.
Librarians' Role in FOI
PCOO Assistant Secretary Kristian Ablan has said that since librarians' role includes providing the public information, they have an important role in implementing FOI programs.
Last September 11, 2020, the Project Management Office in partnership with librarian organizations held the 1st Freedom of Information (FOI) Webinar for Librarians with 3 CPD credit units. This is the first of a planned series of webinars to enrich librarians' knowledge and skills on FOI.
For updates, check them out on Facebook: FOI Philippines
Source:
Sarmiento, V.M.H. (2020 September 10). Librarians to play a vital role in FOI, says PCOO. Retrieved from https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1052785?
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