The University of Southeastern Philippines (USeP) has once again demonstrated its unwavering commitment to open governance, clinching the Freedom of Information (FOI) Champion award under the State Universities and Colleges (SUC) Category at the 2025 FOI Awards.
The ceremony, held on November 28, 2025, at the Bellevue Hotel Manila in Alabang, also saw USeP FOI Officer Mr. Robert C. Satorre honored as Best FOI Officer.
This national award marks a historic third win for both the University and Mr. Satorre, who previously secured these respective titles in 2021 and 2024. The consistent recognition highlights the institution’s sustained excellence in upholding the public’s right to information.
The successful implementation of the FOI Program at the University was spearheaded by the Office of the Secretary of the University and the University Records Office (OSU-URO). Their efforts have been pivotal in ensuring USeP remains a beacon of accountability within the academic sector.
During the event, the FOI Champion Award was accepted on behalf of the University by FOI Officers Mr. Robert C. Satorre and Ms. Metchie Gay P. Leones-Jaim. Sharing the podium in the SUC Category were Southern Leyte State University (First Runner-Up) and Southern Luzon State University (Second Runner-Up).
USeP President and FOI Champion, Dr. Bonifacio D. Gabales, Jr., delivered his acceptance speech via a recorded message. He likened the University’s commitment to transparency to a “lighthouse standing firm on the shore,” guiding stakeholders toward trust.
“This award affirms our commitment to uphold transparency and accountability as core values of public service. At USeP, we believe that access to information strengthens trust, fuels collaboration, and encourages active citizenship,” Dr. Gabales stated.
The FOI Awards is an annual event organized by the Presidential Communications Office through its FOI Program Management Office (FOI-PMO) to recognize dedicated implementers of the FOI Program across government agencies, institutional partners, and civil society.
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