Tagbilaran City has been recognized as a recipient of the prestigious 2023 Freedom
of Information (FOI) Awards under the Local Government Unit category bestowed by
the Presidential Communications Office through the FOI-Program Management
Office.
The esteemed accolade was personally received by City Mayor Jane Yap during the
2023 FOI Awards ceremony held on November 21, 2023, at the Manila Hilton Hotel
Upon receiving the FOI Award, Mayor Yap expressed gratitude for this recognition,
emphasizing the city’s dedication to transparency and open governance.
“This recognition underscores Tagbilaran City’s commitment to transparency and
open governance. We believe in the principles of freedom of information, and this
award motivates us to continue our efforts in promoting transparency and
accountability in all aspects of local governance,” Yap said
Under Mayor Yap’s leadership, Tagbilaran City has been at the forefront of fostering
an open government.
The city not only embraced the principles of the FOI program but also took a
significant step forward with the passage of an FOI Ordinance by the 15th
Sangguniang Panlungsod led by Vice Mayor Adam Relson Jala.
The ordinance, authored by City Councilor Atty. Nerio Zamora II and sponsored by
City Councilor Charles Cabalit, demonstrates the city’s proactive approach to
ensuring transparency in its governance.
The FOI Awards, in accordance with FOI Memorandum Circular No. 23-01, is
designed to honor government agencies, individuals, and organizations that have
played a pivotal role in the development and success of the FOI program
implementation.
Furthermore, these awards are granted to entities that have exhibited an exceptional
commitment to fostering transparency, accountability, and the overarching principles
of freedom and information.