Zamboanga Sibugay , Jan. 21 PIA - - The general public and government agencies can now easily access the Freedom of Information (FOI) Code of Practice as the Presidential Communications Operation Office (PCOO) has made the first edition of FOI Code of Practice, digitally available.

PCOO Usec Kris Ablan in today's Network Briefing News said PCOO thru the FOI-Project Management Office (FOI-PMO) has approved the first edition of FOI COP to equip its implementers in the government with useful tools for the effective implementation of FOI program in various state agencies.

The FOI COP is a compilation of best practices throughout the four-year FOI Program implementation.

The code is a comprehensive guide that provides practice standards for FOI implementers. It also include the topics on the Functions and Responsibilities of FOI implementers, FOI Policy Development, Key issues on FOI processes, Monitoring and Reporting, Records Management and eFOI Platrorm Management.

"Layunin ng COP na makapagbigay ng kaalaman at maitaas ang kasanayan ng FOI implementers , ito ay gabay upang lalong mapalakas ang FOI services na ipinapatupad ng ating gobyerno," he said.

The Code is PCOO's effort to further institutionalize the program by strengthening and enhancing the capacities of FOI program implementers.

It can be recalled, PCOO Secretary and FOI champion Martin Andanar in a news release on Wednesday said, "Part of our mandate is to ensure that government agencies are equipped with effective tools and their personnel with apt skills to fulfill their roles as implementers of the [FOI] Program."

Interested individuals or entity can read and download the 2020 FOI COP over the e-FOI portal foi.gov.ph.

Meanwhile, Usec Abla calls on all interested individuals to take part of the public dialogue on FOI MC No. 5 s. 2020 or the guidelines for vexatious requests, set on Jan. 22, 2021, 10 am, via live FB streaming on FOI Philippines FB Page.

"Kasama po ang PCOO, ang FOI PMO at ang Right to Know Right Now Coalition, ang public dialogue na ito ay pagtitipon ng mga FOIs stakeholders mula sa gobyerno, sa pribadong sektor , at civil society organizations. Layunin ng public dialogue na pagusapan an mabigyang linaw ang mga issues patungkol sa FOI MC No. 5. s.2020." ( NBE/JPA/ PIA9/Zamboaga Sibugay)