ZAMBOANGA CITY – The Presidential Communications Office (PCO) has conferred the prestigious 2025 Freedom of Information (FOI) Award on Basilan’s provincial government.
Provincial Board Member Amin Hataman accepted the honor on behalf of the provincial government in a ceremony at The Bellevue Manila, Alabang, Muntinlupa City on Friday afternoon.
The province was recognized under the category “New Local Government Units to Pass Guidelines on FOI,” acknowledging its immediate efforts to cement a mechanism for transparency and public access to information.
The FOI Awards, established in 2017 by the PCO, annually honor government agencies, local units, organizations, and individuals showing outstanding commitment to transparency and public access to information.
“This award is a testament that Basilan is serious about accountability and transparency,” Governor Mujiv Hataman said in a statement Saturday, expressing gratitude and affirming his commitment to good governance.
The groundwork for recognition was established in June when Hataman signed an executive order creating an FOI mechanism within the provincial government.
The move sought to promote openness and accountability in government and foster a culture of trust and participatory governance in the province.
“When we took office in June, our first priority was institutionalizing the FOI. We believe public service relies on trust, earned when the public has accessible, responsive information about government operations and spending,” the governor said.
He said institutionalization ensures that the provincial government improves transparency and compliance across local processes, aligning governance with national standards.
“This is only the beginning. We will continue to work to make Basilan a model for good, transparent, and participatory governance in the Bangsamoro region,” he added. (PNA)