SUBIC BAY FREEPORT — The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority emerged as champion in the 2025 Freedom of Information (FOI) Awards held at The Bellevue Manila in Alabang, Muntinlupa City, on Nov. 28.
SBMA bagged the FOI Champion Award in the Government-Owned and –Controlled Corporation (GOCC) category, along with the Philippine Guarantee Corp. as 1st Runner-Up and the Philippine Charity and Sweepstakes Office as 2nd Runner-Up.
SBMA Office Services Department OIC-manager and FOI receiving officer Jaime H. Menor, Jr., with his staff Angelo M. Mañalac and Randy D. Canlas, received the award on behalf of SBMA chairman and administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliño, marking a strong year for transparency and public accountability among government institutions.
Aliño lauded the accolade, noting that it is a meaningful affirmation of the agency’s commitment to openness, proactive information sharing, and active public engagement, and emphasized that transparency remains a cornerstone of effective and democratic governance.
Themed, “KALIKASAN: Knowledge Access for Local and International Key Actions on Sustainability, Accountability, and Nature,” the awards ceremony underscored the crucial role of transparent public information in promoting environmental stewardship, good governance, and sustainable development, signifying a strong year for transparency and public accountability among government institutions.
Aside from the agency’s award, Canlas was also recognized as one of the Best FOI Receiving Officers in the Philippines, distinguishing himself among frontliners nationwide who ensure efficient, transparent, and citizen-friendly access to public information.
The FOI Awards is an annual initiative recognizing outstanding government agencies and individuals who champion transparency and uphold the public’s right to information under the FOI Program.
