Qualifications, Powers and Duties.
Section 486
SECTION 486. Qualifications, Powers and Duties. - (a) No person shall be appointed information officer unless he is a citizen of the Philippines, a resident of the local government unit concerned, of good moral character, a holder of a college degree preferably in journalism, mass communications or any related course from a recognized college or university, and a first grade civil service eligible or its equivalent. He must have experience in writing articles and research papers, or in writing for print, television or broadcast media for at least three (3) years in the case of the provincial or city information officer, and one (1) year in the case of municipal information officer. The appointment of the information officer is optional for the provincial, city and municipal governments. The term of the information officer is coterminous with that of his appointing authority. (b) The information officer shall take charge of the office on public information and shall: (1) Formulate measures for the consideration of the sanggunian and provide technical assistance and support to the governor or mayor, as the case may be, in providing the information and research data required for the delivery of basic services and provision of adequate facilities so that the public becomes aware of said services and may fully avail of the same; (2) Develop plans and strategies and, upon approval thereof by the governor or mayor, as the case may be, implement the same, particularly those which have to do with public information and research data to support programs and projects which the governor or mayor is empowered to implement and which the sanggunian is empowered to provide for under this Code; (3) In addition to the foregoing duties and functions, the information officer shall: (i) Provide relevant, adequate, and timely information to the local government unit and its residents; (ii) Furnish information and data on local government units to government agencies or offices as may be required by law or ordinance; and non-governmental organizations to be furnished to said agencies and organizations; (iii) Maintain effective liaison with the various sectors of the community on matters and issues that affect the livelihood and the quality of life of the inhabitants and encourage support for programs of the local and national government; (4) Be in the frontline in providing information during and in the aftermath of man-made and natural disasters and calamities, with special attention to the victims thereof, to help minimize injuries and casualties during and after the emergency, and to accelerate relief and rehabilitation; (5) Recommend to the sanggunian and advise the governor or mayor, as the case may be, on all matters relative to public information and research data as it relates to the total socio-economic development of the local government unit; and (c) Exercise such other powers and perform such other duties and functions as may be prescribed by law or ordinance.