PIA Launches Automated Human Resource Management System

Wazzup Pilipinas!

The Philippine Information Agency (PIA) is gearing towards implementing a more efficient web-based electronic human resource management system.

This, after PIA Director-General Harold E. Clavite appproved the contract between PIA and Asiagate Networks, Inc. for the provision of a software that will integrate systems and processes to ensure easy management of human resources, business process and data of PIA.

“We want a very efficient HR system which is key to operationalize an excellent business operations system. This is part of upgrading plans of our systems and processes that PIA management has committed to pursue," Clavite said during the kick-off meeting with Asiagate on Tuesday to discuss the requirements which launched the first phase of the project.

Asiagate Project Manager Amor Ebue discussed HRMIS processes as well the specific implementation time frame.

Ebue explained, the web-based HRMIS would enable PIA to generate reports on personnel information, trainings, leave status and personnel performance – allowing management to make the right decisions and manage human resource more efficiently and effectively.

The whole system features a tool that would support fast and efficient transactions and processing of resources, expedite recurring tasks through automation, upgrade technologies making them more open, flexible and scalable, support additional or newer processes or services requiring automation.

Ebue stressed that this is a fully integrated system that consists of the following modules, personnel information management, attendance and logs management, leave administration, payroll, compensation benefits, employee discipline, personnel services, dahsboard and calendar notifications, and self-service employees'portal.

The HRMIS also supports the HR Systems required in the Program to Institutionalize Meritocracy and Excellence in Human Resource Management (PRIME-HRM) of the Civil Service Commission which includes recruitment, selection and placement, learning and development, performance management, and rewards and recognition work streams.

PIA has been accredited by CSC under Level II Maturity for PRIME-HRM in 2018 and was recently conferred the Bronze Award. With the HRMIS in place, the Agency may qualify for Level III Maturity by 2020.

The first phase of the project was launched this week and the entire project implementation is expected to be completed by November 2020.

According to Clavite, the complete roll-out of such system is expected to strengthen the integrity and reliability of HR processes within the Agency, thus enhancing employee satisfaction and organizational productivity.

Photo caption: PIA Director-General Harold E. Clavite discusses the HRMIS togetwith PIA officials and personnel representatives from Asiagate Network, Inc. (Photo by William Ronquillo/HRDD)

DOE Lays Down Action Plan to Resolve Palawan Power Woes

Wazzup Pilipinas!

The Department of Energy (DOE) has laid down the roadmap for action that would address the persistent power woes hounding Palawan during the meeting of the DOE-led Inter-Agency Coordinating Committee and Task Force Palawan Electric Cooperative (IACC-TF PALECO) with the Palawan Council for Sustainable Development (PCSD) and PALECO representatives, which was held on 25 July in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan.



Energy Secretary Alfonso G. Cusi created Task Force PALECO earlier this year to conduct an exhaustive assessment and audit of the power situation in the province. This included the determination of the root causes for the frequent power outages, as well as the consolidation of all recommendations from other concerned agencies into the Task Force’s Final Report.



Among the findings of TF PALECO were the uncoordinated synchronization of the protection system of PALECO and the National Power Corporation’s (NPC) transmission lines; obstructing vegetation along both the long NPC transmission lines and PALECO distribution lines; overloaded substations; the unstable temporary generators; derailed coal power plant; and the slow coordination among various government agencies on distribution line maintenance and improvements.



“We immediately directed PALECO and all relevant government agencies to carry out the recommendations in the final report of the Task Force. The livelihood of consumers and the operations of crucial infrastructure, such as hospitals and government offices hang in the balance. We will not stop working until we finally bring this power issue to an end,” Secretary Cusi stressed.



One of the major problems identified in the audit is the existence of a heavy vegetation problem on the NPC transmission lines in Palawan, especially in the southern towns. To solve this, the PCSD, through the Department of Environmental and Natural Resources (DENR), will issue PALECO a special permit for the transportation of the required tools and equipment to be used for the necessary tree cutting and clearing operations. The NPC likewise guaranteed the immediate upgrade of its line protection devices, which minimize the effects of transmission line trippings.



Meanwhile, the National Electrification Administration (NEA) has activated the “Task Force Kapatid” program, which would involve the active participation of 10 electric cooperatives (ECs) to help with the rehabilitation of PALECO. Under this program, the participating ECs will be deploying six engineers and 60 linemen to help PALECO until October 2019. The necessary tools and equipment to effect improvements in PALECO’s distribution system will also be provided.



Furthermore, Palawan Governor Jose C. Alvarez, head of the PCSD, assured the DOE of its efficient coordination with Local Government Units (LGUs) in securing all relevant certificates needed by PALECO.



During the meeting, PALECO also had the opportunity to discuss the progress it has made in the implementation of the action plan it has previously submitted to the DOE. Their presentation prompted various public and private stakeholders to pledge their support to the local EC and guide it towards the necessary steps to effectively and efficiently improve the power supply condition in Palawan.



DOE Undersecretary Vice Admiral Alexander S. Lopez (ret.) led the presentation of the IACC-TF PALECO, together with Assistant Secretary Redentor E. Delola, and DOE-Electric Power Industry Management Bureau Director Mario C. Marasigan. PCSD Executive Director Nelson P. Devanadera and representatives from NEA, NPC, DENR, as well as officials from LGUs, Non-Government Organizations, and the Western Command of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, were also in attendance.



According to Secretary Cusi, PALECO will have until the end of 2019 to complete its rehabilitation. “As members of the energy family, it is our primary duty to provide reliable, stable, and affordable electricity services to our countrymen. Help will always be given to those in need of it. However, we must also ensure that those of us in the energy sector are serving our people in the best manner at all times,” he concluded.

Advocates to Convene in Largest Youth-led Peace-centric Cultural Event for Peace in September

Wazzup Pilipinas!

With the country’s recent development towards unity through the establishment of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), a new beginning for peace springs not only in the region but throughout the Philippines. Along with peacebuilding, this aching part of the country has been longing for sustainable development in securing its future, and it is high time to put the youth in its center.

Sigaw ng Kabataan Coalition, an independent non-partisan national alliance of young leaders and youth organizations in the Philippines, together with the Rotary Satellite Club of Fort BGC Titans of Rotary International District 3830 supported by the Pilipinas Rotaract Multi-District Information Organization and many other partner agencies, will be hosting the Philippine Intercultural Youth Convention (PIYC) 2019, with the theme "New Beginnings for Peace, New Challenges for Development," on September 21-22, 2019 in Tanghalang Bautista, Quezon City University, Quirino Highway, Quezon City.

The PIYC 2019, a DILG and NYC endorsed activity aims to provide a platform for the exchange of Philippine cultures and discussions on national issues that highlight the role of the youth in peace and development. Philippine government leaders as well as non-government and international partners will enrich forums on youth in peace, peace amidst diversity, vulnerabilities in conflict, and the essence of peacebuilding in the attainment of quality education, poverty alleviation, access to healthcare, and sustainable livelihood.

Two days of uniting youth leaders across Philippine regions, tribes and Indigenous people’s groups, PIYC 2019 will also bring the country’s rich cultural experience in one venue through segments such as the Cultural Festival, an exhibition of cultures, a cultural networking night, and many other cultural presentations. Its aim to engage the youth with government and non-government actors that will also be facilitated with a flow of plenary and breakout sessions.

The road to sustainable development is founded on the stability of peace, and PIYC 2019 hopes to integrate the Filipino youth in building this strong foundation.

You may register at www.piyc-skc.com/registration to be a part of the biggest youth-led peace-centric cultural event in the country. The event is also open for partnerships with organizations who can send a delegation of more than ten youth leaders.

For inquiries, you may reach the organizers at piyc.skc@gmail.com.