March 29, 2024

The Department of Labor and Employment was conferred the hall of fame award for besting other national government agencies for three consecutive years as Freedom of Information (FOI) champion.

Labor Sec. Silvestre Bello III vowed to lead DOLE in the continuing quest of empowering the people through information following his acceptance of the prestigious awards as FOI champion and Hall of Fame.

The awards were given by the Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) during the 2020 FOI Awards ceremony at the Philippine Information Agency in Quezon City on Nov. 25.

“As the FOI Program entails openness across the government, the department guarantees to remain committed in making an informed and empowered citizenry,” Bello said.

The FOI Awards is given to government agencies, individuals, and organizations that champion public access to information.

The Hall of Fame Award is conferred on government agencies that have won for three consecutive years.

Bello said it has been the practice of the DOLE over the past years to advocate the highest level of transparency.

Transparency and accountability are pillars of good governance, which the DOLE upholds through its policies and programs, he added.

“Even at the height of the pandemic and the prevalence of fake news, the Labor Department did its best in communicating the real employment situation and true condition of the Filipino workers and employers,” Bello said.

“We are humbled by the yearly recognition bestowed on us for our adherence to the FOI Program. We have no plans of stopping this practice that has become a tradition. The challenges we face only drive us to be more committed for this cause.”

DOLE focuses this year on proactive disclosure of data and information, which are keys to the development of “smart citizens,” Bello said, adding that well-informed workers and employers are key to industrial peace.

“Progressive industries pave the way for a strong economy,” he added.

Bello thanked PCOO Sec. Martin Andanar, FOI Program Director Asec. Kristian Ablan, and the rest of the FOI team “for their endless commitment and support to the DOLE in facilitating the FOI Program. – Press release