Section 42Sec./Art. 42

The City Information Officer. (a) The City Information Officer must be a citizen of the Philippines, a resident of the City of General Trias, of good moral character, a holder of a college degree preferably in journalism, mass communication or in any related course obtained from a recognized college or university, a first grade civil service eligible or its equivalent, and must have acquired experience in writing articles and research papers, or writing for print, television or broadcast media for at least three (3) years immediately preceding the date of appointment.

The appointment of a City Information Officer shall be optional.

The term of the City Information Officer is coterminous with that of his or her appointing authority.

(b) The City Information Officer shall receive compensation, emoluments and allowances as may be determined by law.

(c) The City Information Officer shall take charge of the City Information and Community Relations Department, and shall:

(1) Formulate measures for the consideration of the Sangguniang Panlungsod and provide technical assistance and .support to the City Mayor in providing the information and research data required for the delivery of basic services and the 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 the approval thereof by the City Mayor, implement the same, particularly those which have to do with public information and research data to support programs and projects which the City Mayor is empowered to implement and which the Sangguniang Panlungsod is empowered to provide;

(3) Provide relevant, adequate and timely information to the local government unit and its residents;

(4) Furnish information and data on local government agencies or offices as may be required by law or ordinance; and nongovernmental organizations to be furnished to said agencies and organizations;

(5) 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;

(6) Be in the frontline in providing information during and in the aftermath of man-made and natural disasters or calamities, with special attention to the victims thereof, to help minimize injuries and casualties after the emergency, and to accelerate relief and rehabilitation;

(7) Recommend to the Sangguniang Panlungsod and advise the City Mayor on all other matters relative to public information and research data as it relates to the total socioeconomic development of the City; and

(8) Perform other duties and functions and exercise other powers as provided for under the Local Government Code of 1991, as amended, and those that are prescribed by law or ordinance.