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 Batac, 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 first grade civil service eligible or its equivalent. He must have experience in writing articles and research papers, or writing for print, television, broadcast and other forms of mass media for at least five years immediately preceding the date of his appointment.

(b) The city information officer shall receive such 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 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) In addition to the foregoing duties and functions, the city information officer shall:

(i) Provide relevant, adequate and timely information to the City and its residents;

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

(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 sangguniang panlungsod and advise the city mayor on all matters relative to public information and research data as it relates to the total socioeconomic development of the City; and

(6) Perform Such other duties and functions and exercise such other powers as provided for under the Local Government Code, and those that are prescribed by law or ordinance.