University of Southeastern Philippines

FREEDOM OF INFORMATION (FOI) PROGRAM

17 JULY 2023

ENGR. DENNIS G. REBUTA
Faculty, College of Engineering
This University

Sir:

Warm greetings!

This has reference to your request lodged through the FOI Portal with Tracking No. #USEP-522005895034 asking the “Identity of Faculty/Peer Ratee who rated Engr D. Rebuta in Faculty Evaluation Questionnaire”. 

https://www.foi.gov.ph/requests/aglzfmVmb2ktcGhyHgsSB0NvbnRlbnQiEVVTRVAtNTIyMDA1ODk1MDM0DA 

We understand that some of the comments received were less constructive than desired, and you are interested in knowing the identity of the person who provided this feedback. However, we cannot disclose the requested information.  Our Human Resource Information System (HRIS) is designed to promote integrity, confidentiality, and respect in its peer evaluation processes, which includes maintaining the anonymity of peer evaluators. This system is grounded in the principle of creating a platform for open, honest, and beneficial feedback. This approach encourages individuals to express their perspectives freely, aiming to cultivate an environment conducive to personal and professional growth. Also, the Human Resource Management Division (HRMD) has limited access/rights to specific modules of the HRIS. In short, the office does not have access to specific and detailed peer evaluations of employees. The only data that the HRMD can view is the consolidated result of each employee's evaluation.

The National Privacy Commission (NPC) Privacy Policy Office also released Advisory Opinion No 2018-042 regarding employee’s right to access employment records, which specifically stated that:

“On the other hand, if the evaluative material is given in confidence, in such a way that the rating and observation will not be given except for an understanding of confidentiality and anonymity, the employee shall not be permitted to access the file.

Nonetheless, the employer may likewise provide a summary of all the ratings given to the employee without identifying the source in order to uphold the duty of confidentiality.”

That said, we sincerely apologize if some feedback you received was not constructive in nature. The University’s goal is always to foster a culture of respect and growth, and we acknowledge that every piece of feedback should be constructive, helping the receiver to improve. Please know that the University is committed to maintaining a fair, respectful, and constructive peer evaluation system, and we will take your experience into account as we continue to refine the process.

If you are unhappy with this response to your FOI request, you may ask us to carry out an internal review of the response by writing through email to the University President, Dr. Lourdes C. Generalao at records@usep.edu.ph, cc: president@usep.edu.ph . Your review request should explain why you are dissatisfied with this response and should be made within 15 calendar days from the date when you received this letter. We will complete the review and tell you the result within 30 calendar days from the date when we receive your review request.

Thank you very much.


Sincerely,


ROBERT C. SATORRE
FOI Decision Maker
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