AS CAPITOL begins to implement the Cebu Provincial Government’s new Freedom of Information (FOI) policy, the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO) is urging careful assessment of public information requests, especially those involving sensitive or confidential data.
In an interview, PSWDO officer-in-charge Marirose Lopez said the Provincial Capitol is now preparing to implement Executive Order 3, signed by Gov. Pamela Baricuatro, which mandates transparency and accessibility of government-held information.
While the order has been widely welcomed, social welfare offices, often handling personal or vulnerable client data, are calling for safeguards alongside openness.
Baricuatro signed the order on June 30, 2025, her first day in office.
The directive calls for the local implementation of the FOI Act at the Provincial Capitol to strengthen open governance by allowing the public access to official records, research data and documents involving government programs and decisions.
It also directs all provincial offices to establish mechanisms for receiving, processing and responding to FOI requests in a timely and accountable manner, while still observing legal exceptions.
Lopez said the PSWDO remains ready to comply with the FOI directive but emphasized that information requests must be processed responsibly and with proper documentation.
“Since we are in the Social Development Office, we always maintain the principle of confidentiality,” said Lopez.
“However, if there’s a need for public information, it should be examined and assessed if the document is truly necessary,” Lopez added.
Departments
Other department heads also expressed support for the directive, highlighting the steps they are taking to prepare for the FOI implementation in their offices.
Public Information Office head Ruben Licera said the Cebu People’s Action Center will serve as the official receiving hub for FOI requests.
He explained that while most government records are not yet digitized, efforts are underway to fast-track accessibility.
“Once fully operational, people can simply walk in, fill out a form and expect a response within seven to 15 working days,” Licera said.
“This administration has nothing to hide,” he added.
Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office head Rodel Bontuyan is preparing internal guidelines and training for personnel to ensure FOI requests are handled properly and responsibly.
“It’s really better if we get briefed or provided with guidelines, like the flow of how to release information, because there are also restricted types of information. So it’s better if we receive a proper briefing,” said Bontuyan.
Provincial Budget Office’s Danilo Rodas noted that their office is ready to respond to information requests, particularly those related to public spending, as long as official processes are followed.
“For me, there’s no challenge with that as long as there is a directive from the government,” said Rodas.
Provincial Health Office head Mary Anne Josephine Arsenal said transparency and accountability are already standard practices in their office. She said their designated focal persons are equipped to handle inquiries as needed.
“We are really open to the public. This is purely honest work. We don’t hide anything here. What you see is what you get,” said Arsenal.
Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office head Dennis Francis Pastor said they do not foresee challenges with FOI compliance and will assign a spokesperson to handle any requests from the public. / Ericka May Charcos, HNU Intern