Published on: September 08, 2023 | Written by: Beatriz Faye G. Carreon

Pagadian City, Zamboanga del Sur – In a remarkable showcase of collaboration and the exchange of innovative ideas, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) IX and Region XIII gathered at the DILG IX Conference Hall on August 17-18, 2023. This Knowledge Exchange initiative served as a bridge for sharing groundbreaking programs and initiatives, fostering camaraderie between the two regions.  

The proceedings began as Engr. Carmelo Enrique B. Libot, CESO V, Assistant Regional Director of DILG IX, extended a hearty greeting. He conveyed his eagerness for the knowledge and idea exchange, underscoring the pivotal role that innovation plays in propelling the department’s objectives forward. 

Subsequently, Donald A. Seronay, who served as the OIC – Regional Director and Assistant Regional Director at DILG XIII, delivered an inaugural address that established the event’s atmosphere. He underscored the significance of inter-regional collaboration and the possibilities for profound transformation that arise from the exchange of exemplary methods. 

The exchange commenced by placing its spotlight on the innovative solutions devised by Mr. Ard C. Catalino, who serves as the Information Technology Officer I at DILG IX. In his presentation, Mr. Catalino introduced three pioneering systems that have had a profound impact on enhancing the department’s efficiency and overall effectiveness:

1. Human Resource Information System: This system has been instrumental in streamlining the various HR processes, ultimately leading to improved personnel management and facilitating data-driven decision-making.
2. Inventory/Supply Management System: Through the automation of inventory control, this system has been pivotal in ensuring the timely availability of crucial supplies. This automation has effectively reduced wastage while significantly enhancing resource management. 
3. Financial Management System: This system represents a leap forward in optimizing financial transactions and reporting. It has played a crucial role in making financial operations more transparent and accountable. 

Taken together, these systems serve as a powerful testament to DILG IX’s unwavering commitment to leveraging technology as a means to advance governance and the delivery of services. 

The Knowledge Exchange conference reconvened on August 18, 2023, for its second day where DMO IV Pamela Grace Amantiad adeptly assumed the role of session moderator. 

The day revolved around to central themes:

Exploration of DILG IX’s Barangay Information and Government System (BIGS)

During this segment, ITO I Catalino provided an in-depth look at BIGS. He explained how the pandemic posed difficulties in data collection due to the traditional reliance on paper-based records within barangays. To address this hurdle, BIGS was introduced, ushering in a digital revolution in these local communities.

ITO I Catalino clarified that the Liga ng mga Barangay had the option to seek a designated liaison from DILG who would be responsible for introducing the BIGS. Subsequently, this liaison would arrange a dedicated orientation session for the installation and utilization of BIGS. This system guarantees both efficient and secure data storage, offering convenient access to updates through its dedicated Facebook page, all without incurring any charges.   

BIGS offers a range of functionalities, including the registration of barangay residents, the computation of the total population, and the option to tailor data filtering. In contrast to the conventional Resident’s BioData Information (RBI) form, BIGS encompasses a more extensive dataset. This dataset includes information on social services, duration of residency, and the classification of residents as either locals or migrants. Additionally, it contains data pertaining to Persons with Disabilities (PWDs), beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps), single parents, Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs), Indigenous Peoples (IPs), COMELEC records, and various other categories. 

ITO Catalino stressed that BIGS provides a wide range of advantages, including storing data at the household level, facilitating the issuance of barangay clearances and certificates, aiding Katarungang Pambarangay in addressing complaints, and aiding in the formulation of barangay development plans. His vision is for BIGS to transform into an all-encompassing barangay platform and database, guaranteeing the accuracy and currency of barangay data. 

Gender and Development (GAD) Best Practices and More from DILG XIII

The DILG XIII representative initiated the conversation by sharing their effective approach – the weekly assembly of the delivery unit. This strategy offers a forum for promptly tackling issues in project execution, with enthusiastic participation from field engineers. 

Moreover, DILG XIII embraced the Gender Mainstreaming Evaluation Framework (GEMF) tool. In the evaluation conducted by RGADC in 2021, DILG XIII garnered an impressive overall score of 71.30%, positioning it firmly at Level 3. This acknowledgement, in addition to accolades like “Caraga’s Most Gender Responsive Government Agency,” highlights the organization’s unwavering commitment to advancing gender mainstreaming. 

The GEMF rating comprises four essential aspects: policies, individuals, facilitating structures, and the implementation of Programs, Activities, and Projects (PAPs).

This conference marks a notable advancement in inter-regional collaboration, opening the door to improved governance, innovation, and gender equity within the Philippines. Armed with the knowledge and motivation gleaned from this gathering, both DILG IX and DILG XIII are well-positioned to sustain their transformative paths towards a more effective and encompassing future.