The University of Southeastern Philippines (USeP) has once again proven its dedication to open governance by being awarded the Certificate of Compliance from the Freedom of Information – Project Management Office (FOI-PMO) for the fifth consecutive year. This significant recognition is for the University’s outstanding efforts in complying with enhanced FOI requirements.
Serving as a recognition that the University is fully compliant with the set of FOI requirements pursuant to Section 5.0 of Memorandum Circular No. 2022-1, issued by the Inter-Agency Task Force on the Harmonization of National Government Performance Monitoring Information and Reporting Systems (Task Force Administrative Order 25, s. 2011), this milestone further underscores USeP’s unwavering commitment to upholding stringent standards in transparency, accountability, and ethical governance.
This ongoing recognition is particularly important in the current educational landscape, which demands ever-greater transparency and accountability from institutions. By consistently meeting FOI requirements, USeP is setting an example not only for educational institutions in the Philippines but also for organizations worldwide.
Initiated in 2016, the FOI program was framed in accordance with Section 7 of Article II of the 1987 Constitution, which states that “access to official records and to documents and papers pertaining to official acts, transactions, or decisions, as well as to government research data used as the basis for policy development, shall be afforded to the citizen, subject to such limitations as may be provided by law.” It is a mechanism enforced in all government agencies and public institutions through which citizens may request any information on government operations and transactions.
The USeP FOI Program is a collaborative initiative managed by the Office of the Secretary of the University and the University Records Office (OSU-URO). This combined effort ensures that the University remains compliant with all FOI regulations, further solidifying USeP’s reputation as a leader in responsible governance.
