DOST-MIRDC Bags FOI Rising Stars Award
By: Zalda R. Gayahan
November 25, 2021, Cebu – The Department of Science and Technology – Metals Industry Research and Development Center (DOST-MIRDC) is one of the recipients of the prestigious 2021 Freedom of Information (FOI) Rising Star Awards. This award is given to government agencies and institutions that have exemplified great progress and performance in the implementation of the FOI program.
The DOST-MIRDC's FOI team is led by Executive Director, Engr. Robert O. Dizon (4th from left). Joining him are (from left to right) Ms. Abigail M. Casas, Ms. Dolly Marie T. Borlado, Dr. Agustin M. Fudolig, Engr. Jonathan Q. Puerto, and Atty. Trixie Hazel C. Veluz.
2021 is the fifth year of implementation of the FOI Program. This program recognizes the constitutional right of every Filipino to access to information.
DOST-MIRDC was named one of the FOI Rising Stars awardee for having ‘exemplified great progress and performance in the implementation of the FOI program.’
Usec. Kris Ablan greets FOI awardees.
‘We recognize people and institutions who played significant roles in the success of FOI in our country,’ said Atty. Kris Ablan, Undersecretary for Finance, Policy, Legislative Affairs and Freedom of Information of the Presidential Communications Operations Office. ‘Sana po ay hindi kayo magsawang pagtibayin and karapatan ng bawat mamamayang Pilipino sa malayang pagkalap ng pampublikong impormasyon….It is in my great hope that today, we see beyond the prestige of this awards a humble public servant na sinsero sa kanyang tungkuling pagsilbihan ang kanyang mamamayang Pilipino,’ added Usec. Ablan.
Cabinet Secretary Karlo Alexei B. Nograles explained that Filipinos become aware of government initiatives, and ultimately become part of the achievement of our nation’s goals through information made readily available to them. He commends organizations and agencies that are part of the FOI program. ‘Nararapat lamang na bigyan natin ng pagkilala ang mga ahensya ng pamahalaan na walang sawa at walang pagod na nagtataguyod upang patuloy na maging accountable at transparent at naglilingkod nang may pananagutan sa sinumpaang tungkulin,’ stated Secretary Nograles.
‘The Center has always made it a point to be responsive to inquiries of our stakeholders, of the public. As public servants, we uphold transparency. We recognize the importance of accountable information exchange,’ says DOST-MIRDC’s Executive Director, Engr. Robert O. Dizon.
