Davao City – A two-man team from the Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) came to this city to conduct a training workshop on the Freedom of Information Program of the government.

The resource speakers from PCOO composed of Atty. Mae Anne Sandoval and Patricia Marri Maranan discussed on FOI Overview, and the eFreedom of Information Portal Walkthrough. Attending the sessions were key officers of the regional and provincial offices of the Department of Labor and Employment XI.

In his welcome message, DOLE XI Regional Director Raymundo G. Agravante quoted, “The Executive Order which covers all government offices under the Executive Branch also outlines the exceptions for public disclosure and the procedures for accessing public documents; And since it is a right enshrined in our fundamental law, we really need to know it more, especially that what is at stake is the right of the people to information on matters of public concern; In this Training/ Workshop, I hope that everybody will learn a lot, and be empowered.”

Director Agravante ended his message with a beautiful Quote from a known American Author, Richard Paul Evans, which says, “What a culture we live in, we are swimming in an ocean of information, and drowning in ignorance.” (By Eduardo P. Monreal, LCO-Designate, DOLE RO XI)

On FOI. RD Agravante quotes, “… it is a right enshrined in our fundamental law, we really need to know it more, especially that what is at stake is the right of the people to information on matters of public concern.”

PCOO Team. Atty. Mae Anne Sandoval and Patricia Marri Maranan of PCOO listening to the welcome message of RD Agravante. Beside them is DOLE XI IMSD Chief Henry O. Montilla.

The Overview. Atty. Mae Anne Sandoval of the Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) giving an overview of the Freedom of Information.