Privacy Policy

Effective Date: April 29, 2025

The City Government of Laoag ("we," "us," or "our"), as a personal information controller under Republic Act No. 10173, also known as the Data Privacy Act of 2012 (DPA), is committed to protecting the privacy and security of your personal information. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, process, disclose, and safeguard your personal information when you visit our website, [insert website URL] (the "Website"), or interact with our online services, in accordance with the DPA and its Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR). By using our Website, you consent to the practices described in this Privacy Policy, subject to your rights under the DPA.

This Privacy Policy applies to all personal information, sensitive personal information, and privileged information (collectively, “personal data”) processed by the City Government of Laoag through the Website. Under the DPA, personal information refers to any information that can identify an individual, sensitive personal information includes data such as health or financial details, and privileged information pertains to data protected under specific laws (e.g., attorney-client privilege). This policy covers processing activities within the Philippines and, where applicable, extraterritorial processing of personal data of Philippine citizens or residents.

We collect the following types of personal data:

  • Personal Information: Name, address, email address, phone number, or other identifiers provided when you submit forms, register for services (e.g., permits, utilities), or contact us; account credentials; demographic information.
  • Sensitive Personal Information: Financial details, health or medical information, government-issued IDs or numbers.
  • Non-Personal Information: Anonymized data, technical data (e.g., IP address, browser type).
  • Information from Third Parties: Data from other government agencies or service providers, when legally permitted.

We collect personal data:
  • Directly from You: Through Website forms, service applications, or communications.
  • Automatically: Using cookies or similar technologies, subject to your consent.
  • From Third Parties: From government entities or service providers, in compliance with the DPA.
Consent is obtained through freely given, specific, informed, and recorded means.

We process personal data when:
  • You have given consent.
  • Processing is necessary for a contract, legal obligation, or public authority mandate.
  • Processing protects vital interests or serves legitimate interests, respecting your rights.

We use personal data to:
  • Provide services (e.g., permits, payments).
  • Respond to inquiries and send updates.
  • Enhance Website security and functionality.
  • Comply with legal obligations and conduct research (anonymized).

We may disclose personal data to:
  • Service providers under DPA-compliant contracts.
  • Other government agencies, when required.
  • Legal authorities to comply with laws or protect rights.
  • Anonymized form for research.
We do not sell personal data.

You have the right to:
  • Be informed about processing.
  • Access, rectify, or erase your data (subject to legal limits).
  • Object to processing, request portability, seek damages, or transmit rights.
Contact our Data Protection Officer to exercise these rights.

We use cookies for functionality, analytics, and personalization, with your consent. Manage preferences via your browser.

We implement security measures, including encryption and access controls. In case of a data breach, we will notify the National Privacy Commission and affected individuals within 72 hours, as required by the DPA.

We retain personal data only as long as necessary or as required by laws, such as:
  • Contact forms: [6 months to 2 years].
  • Financial records: [7 years].
  • Permit records: Permanent.
Data is securely erased or anonymized when no longer needed.

Data transferred outside the Philippines is protected by DPA-equivalent measures. Transfers occur only when necessary.

Our Website may link to third-party sites. We are not responsible for their privacy practices. Review their policies before sharing data.

Our Website is not for children under 13. We do not knowingly collect their data without parental consent. Contact us to remove such data.

Our Data Protection Officer / ICT Officer oversees DPA compliance. Contact: icto@laoagcity.gov.ph.

We may update this policy. Changes will be posted with a revised “Effective Date.” Significant changes will be communicated as required by the NPC.

Contact our Data Protection Officer / ICT Officer at:
City Government of Laoag
Address: City Hall Complex, #10 A.G Tupaz St. Laoag City, 2900, PH
apps@laoagcity.gov.ph
Phone Number: +63 (077) 771-0001

File complaints with:
National Privacy Commission
5th Floor, Philippine International Convention Center,
Vicente Sotto St., Pasay City, Metro Manila, Philippines
Email: info@privacy.gov.ph
Website: www.privacy.gov.ph