Section 43Sec./Art. 43

The City Information Officer. (a) The city information officer must be a citizen of the Philippines, a resident of the City of San Fernando, of good moral character, a holder of a college degree preferably in journalism, mass communication or any related course from a recognized college or university, and a holder of a first grade civil service eligibility 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.

(b) The city information officer shall receive such compensation, emoluments and allowances as may be determined by law or ordinance.

(c) The city information officer shall take charge of the office on public information, and shall:

(1) Formulate measures for the consideration of the sangguniang panlungsod and provide technical assistance and support to the city mayor in providing 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 facilities and may fully avail of the same;

(2) Develop plans and strategies, and upon 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 City and its residents;

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

(5) Maintain effective liaison with 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 city and national government;

(6) Be in the frontline of providing information during and in the aftermath of man-made and natural calamities and disasters, with special attention to the victims thereof, to help minimize injuries and casualties during and 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 these relate to the total socioeconomic development of the City; and

(8) Exercise such other powers and perform such other duties and functions as may be prescribed by law or ordinance.