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Improvement Highlights
DPWH Reforms through Information Technology:
The Department has embraced information technology (IT) as an
essential tool in avoiding delays in department operations thus
improving its overall performance. Significant improvements in
areas related to streamlining operations, strengthening internal
controls, and, improving transparency have been undertaken with
the use of IT. By providing automated controls that ensure
compliance and prevent discretionary application of the policies and
procedures that govern a process, IT is without doubt an effective
means of organizational change. At present, several IT-enabled
improvements are already in place. To wit:
Project Implementation
Civil works
project management training, the Civil Works Registry and the MIS
developed Document Tracking System (DoTS) are IT tools to ensure the
efficient fast tracking of project implementation in the
Department. In addition, improved planning tools, infrastructure
right of way procedures and an upcoming right of way management
system, as well as improvements in financial management with the
production of contractor billing guidelines, etc. are also key
enablers of this policy. A recent achievement is the
implementation of the Executive Information System which
will assist the Executive Committee in monitoring projects and
activities, thus, issues and concerns hampering project
implementation can be easily resolved.
Transparency in
Operation/Administration
One of the vital issues addressed in
transparency is in the “procurement process.” To increase
transparency in the area of procurement, the Civil Works Registry (CWR)
has significantly improved the process, together with the posting
of information in the DPWH website. The DPWH website, in fact,
is a reservoir of information that provides for transparency.
Further, many new policies and procedures in several areas of
operation of various improvement projects implemented under
RIMSS prevent discretionary or arbitrary decisions.
Use of Information Technology
While RIMSS
is a key instrument in implementing other policy directions,
it also serves as the foundation for the reforms through the
use of enabling technology. Through RIMSS, the Department has now
a “state of the art” voice and data communications network that
eliminated long distance expenses within the Department between
Offices connected and provided email capabilities. What’s more,
the network also enables data to be stored centrally in Manila and
updated and accessed nationwide to provide up-to-date,
accurate, and reliable data for decision making and monitoring.
The provision of computer equipment and software, as well as the
extensive training programs offered by MIS, further adds to the IT
foundation.
Accountability
Ensuring clear policies and
procedures for the various operations is the first step for
accountability and this is also a driving force under the RIMSS
reforms. For example, the Executive Information System will
enable the Executive Committee to monitor performance of the
various offices. One of the recently started improvement
projects is the “cleaning up” of the Department Orders -- as it
is often difficult to determine which ones are still in effect--
and the automation of these will allow quick searches by topic.
Organizational Culture
DPWH has
recognized that organizational culture change is a must. Efforts
are underway to address this important aspect in order to to
ensure sustainability of the improvements implemented so far and
pursue even more changes in the future.
While
RIMSS is oftentimes viewed as basically computerization, it is
most importantly about reforms --reforms that, in most
cases, are enabled by technology. Information Technology
provides the framework for improvement in all activities. There
have been many successes to-date and many more are sure to
come in the future.
Through
RIMSS, therefore, we will work together for a brighter future for
the DPWH.
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