Through its Management Information Systems Division (MISD), the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-PCAARRD) has made a significant step in responding to the Digital Transformation agenda of the National Government. By meticulously redeveloping its information systems and employing a holistic approach, two of its administrative information systems have gained popularity among DOST agencies and regional offices for adoption and implementation.
The Human Resources Management System (HRMS) and the Financial Management System (FMS) are two of the major information systems used by the Council in handling its human resources and financial matters, respectively. HRMS was developed to integrate the four pillars of HRM – Recruitment, Selection, and Placement (RSP), Learning and Development (L&D), Performance Management (PM); and Rewards and Recognition (R&R). Meanwhile, FMS is a comprehensive system that encompasses the complete budget cycle, from preparation to utilization.
While the development of both systems was an internal strategy to establish the interoperability of systems in the Council, it created a precedent within the DOST system when it was presented during the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Consortium meeting last August 30, 2023. It has set a new standard for excellence and attracted seven DOST agencies that expressed their intent to adopt them.
Over the months following the ICT Consortium meeting, the number of interested parties increased, signaling the unequivocal value that the systems bring to the table. Furthermore, these initiatives not only serve as benchmarks for DOST-PCAARRD but also for the Civil Service Commission (CSC), providing a tangible measure for evaluating the competency maturity of an agency across the core components of HRM.
In essence, PCAARRD's holistic approach to digital transformation significantly influenced its internal processes, while setting a high standard for industry-wide best practices.At present, the Systems Development and Database Management Unit (SDDMU) of MISD is actively enhancing its HRMS, now known as iHRMS, ensuring seamless alignment with the specific requirements outlined by the requesting DOST agencies. The HRMS is foreseen to be implemented DOST-wide and DOST-PCAARRD has manifested its place at its core.