LINGAYEN, PANGASINAN—The last week of May of every year has been declared as ‘Provincial Data Privacy Awareness Week’ in Pangasinan through Provincial Ordinance No. 324-2024, which was duly approved by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) led by Vice Governor Mark Ronald DG. Lambino.
As stated in the ordinance authored by Board Member Napoleon C. Fontelera, Jr., “the 1987 Philippine Constitution protects and guarantees a person’s right to privacy, which includes the privacy of communication and correspondence.”
Republic Act No. 10173, or the ‘Data Privacy Act of 2012,’ aims to protect personal data in information and communications systems in the government and private sector.
It can be recalled that on July 3, 2018, Proclamation No. 527 was signed by the Office of the President, declaring the last week of May of every year as a National Data Privacy Awareness Week.
“The Province of Pangasinan acknowledges the importance of implementing laws and other issuances for the protection of the basic right of privacy of communication while ensuring the free flow of communication to promote innovation and growth,” the ordinance stated.
In addition, the ordinance noted that the province recognizes the vital role of information and communications technology in nation-building as it commits its unwavering support to safeguard the privacy and security of personal information both in the government and private sectors.
The ordinance added that the provincial government gives significance to the annual gathering of data privacy practitioners and other concerned sectors in the celebration of the Provincial Data Privacy Awareness Week in Pangasinan through the conduct of various programs and activities relating to data privacy, data protection, and fair information about rights and responsibilities.
As such, the province, in coordination with data privacy practitioners and other concerned sectors, will celebrate Provincial Data Privacy Awareness Week every year with the aim to “learn more about data privacy and collaborate with experts in the field in order to share best practices, theories, and programs that boost data privacy in compliance with laws, orders, and regulations in the Philippines.”
(Ruby F. Rayat/PIMRO)
