PCIJ chief Mangahas is WikiPinoy of the Year

The editors of WikiPilipinas, the locally-based online collaborative encyclopedia, recently cited Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism (PCIJ) Executive Director Malou Mangahas "for proactively campaigning for the Freedom of Information Act (FOI)", naming her "WikiPinoy of the Year" for 2010. According to WikiPilipinas Project Editor Merck Maguddayao, the candidates for the citation also included the late botanist Leonardo Co and UP College of Law Dean Marvic Leonen. "Mangahas was selected due to her significant contribution in empowering the people to be informed citizens by proactively campaigning for the foiled Freedom of Information Bill, which aims to democratize the access to government information; and the report on election spendings, which presented an in-depth look at the May 2010 Elections," Maguddayao told GMANews.TV. "We deem it timely to honor Ms. Mangahas as WikiPinoy of the Year since 2010 was the year when Filipinos sought for change, especially during the height of the election season and the birth of the new administration. Mangahas' effort in democratizing the access to information played a vital part for the popular clamor for change, as an honest government must be transparent in all its transactions," he added. Mangahas was informed of the citation via email on Wednesday. "I am most humbled and delighted. On behalf of the editors and staff of the PCIJ, and our colleagues in the Right to Know, Right Now! Coalition, my heartfelt thanks! I hope to deserve and affirm your trust even more!" Mangahas said. You may get in touch with the author via Twitter, @tjdimacali. - JV, GMANews.TV