MALAYBALAY CITY, Bukidnon – The Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) and the Bukidnon State University signed a memorandum of understanding on Tuesday for the implementation of freedom of information programs in the said university.
During the Bukidnon leg of the 2021 Transparency Roadshow, Secretary Martin Andanar said that the gesture is a step closer towards a more transparent and accountable Filipino community. For the academe, this translates to a wider and more open access to information which can be utilized for academic research.
Secretary Andanar also turned over FOI Library Materials to BSU President Dr. Oscar B. Cabañelez followed by a joint undertaking to sign on the transparency wall.
The said roadshow, which aims to raise awareness on the transparency efforts of the Duterte administration and how the government has put much emphasis on its support for democracy.
The PCOO chief also stressed that promoting transparency is one of the most important tools against corruption in government.
“Transparency and accountability, particularly in the government, have never been more alive in the Philippines, and it is only under the Duterte administration that we have put forward such a cause, as part of our fight against all forms of corruption,” he said.
“Our transparency initiative does not only ensure that corruption will be avoided by knowing where your taxes go, but also empowers all of you to participate in the affairs of our government,” he added.
Secretary Andanar mentioned the creation of the Presidential Anti-corruption Commission (PACC) and the Ease of Doing Business Law, which has helped the government’s campaign.
“We are confident that all of you will be partners of the Duterte administration in upholding transparency and accountability, not only in the executive branch, but also in other branches that we aim to achieve through this undertaking,” he said.
Other officials who joined the Transparency Roadshow were National Housing Authority (NHA-10) Regional Manager Engr. Rolando I. Teves, Department of Social Welfare and Development 10 (DSWD-10) Regional Director Mari-flor Dollaga-Libang, 403rd Infantry “Peacemaker” Brigade Brigadier General Ferdinand Barandon, and officials of local government units.
