ZAMBOANGA CITY (December 1) – Basilan province has been honored with the 2025 Freedom of Information (FOI) Award, recognizing its swift action in establishing clear guidelines to strengthen public access to government information.
Provincial Board Member Amin Hataman received the award on behalf of the provincial government during ceremonies held Friday at The Bellevue Manila in Alabang, Muntinlupa City.
Basilan was cited under the category “New Local Government Units to Pass Guidelines on FOI,” highlighting its prompt move to institutionalize transparency mechanisms shortly after the new administration took office in June.
“This award is a testament that Basilan is serious about accountability and transparency,” Governor Mujiv Hataman said in a statement Saturday.
Hataman earlier signed an executive order creating the province’s FOI mechanism—an initiative aimed at ensuring openness, strengthening public trust, and aligning provincial governance with national transparency standards.
“When we took office in June, our first priority was institutionalizing the FOI. Public service relies on trust, and that trust is earned when information about government operations and spending is accessible and responsive,” the governor said.
He added that the reform will help improve compliance, streamline local processes, and push Basilan toward becoming a model of participatory governance in the Bangsamoro region.
“This is only the beginning. We will continue to work to make Basilan a model for good, transparent, and participatory governance in the Bangsamoro region,” Hataman said.
