Manila, Philippines – The Institute for Labor Studies (ILS) was among the compliant government agencies cited by FOI-PMO in terms of FOI inventory/requests reports submissions. This was announced during the “2019 Freedom of Information (FOI) Receiving Officers’ Hangout” held at Sequoia Hotel in Quezon City on 19 June 2019.

Participants were updated on the major accomplishments, challenges, and innovative solutions to further improve current FOI program implementation.

Organized by the Freedom of Information-Project Management Office (FOI-PMO) under the Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO), the workshop convened agency FOI Receiving Officers (FOI-Ros) to discuss and provide feedback on FOI implementation. It also targeted to strengthen the implementation of the program through the following: (1) review existing and develop new policies; (2) deepen engagement with stakeholders; (3) maintain and improve the electronic FOI portal; (4) expand capacity-building activities to stakeholders; and (5) contextualize the program for identified pilot local government units. It also recognizes the valuable role of FOI Receiving Officers as the front-liners in ensuring the success of FOI Program implementation.

Executive Order No. 02, also known as the Freedom of Information (FOI) Program, was signed by President Rodrigo Duterte on 23 July 2016 in Davao City. The Executive Order established the first Freedom of Information (FOI) Program in the Philippines covering all government offices under the Executive Branch.

The Institute for Labor Studies (ILS) is the policy research and advocacy arm of the Department of Labor and Employment. For more information on this story, please contact the Advocacy and Publications Division at 527-3590.