USTP Digital Transformation Office joins Ease of Doing Business Convention

By Richelle E. Gerong, USTeP LMS In-Charge, USTP System Digital Transformation Office
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The University of Science and Technology of Southern Philippines (USTP) Digital Transformation Office (DTO) participated in the three-day Ease of Doing Business (EODB) Convention of the Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA) held at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) in Manila, Philippines, from November 29 to December 1, 2023.

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The convention brought together government agencies, private businesses, and other stakeholders to discuss ways to improve the ease of doing business in the Philippines and to witness the launching of the Anti-Red Tape Electronic Management Information System (ARTEMIS) and the Philippine Business Regulations Information System (PBRIS), ARTA’s initiatives to fulfill the Republic Act 11032 in improving the bureaucratic efficiency.

Together with the Committee on Anti-Red Tape-Chairperson of USTP, Atty. Michelle M. Bacarra, the participation of USTP DTO in the convention was a testament to the University’s commitment to aligning and harmonizing its policies with the initiatives of ARTA. As a public sector institution, USTP strengthens its culture of efficiency, responsiveness, transparency, and continuous quality improvement in delivering public services. The DTO focuses on developing and implementing innovative IT solutions that streamline processes, reduce costs, and improve user experience and satisfaction.

At the EODB Convention, USTP DTO showcased some of its key digital transformation initiatives, including the Government Integrated Administrative Management System (GIAMS), Optimum HR, USTeP—Learning Management System, and other information systems that are in the pipeline for future development. These systems have been instrumental in improving the efficiency of the University’s operations and providing better services to its students and faculty. The participation of the USTP DTO in the EODB Convention was also an opportunity to highlight the role of the DTO as an enabler of good management practices for the University’s customer-centric goals.

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The DTO’s booth at the EODB Convention attracted the attention of different government agencies and private sectors, who asked for details about the information systems and where they are being used. Recognizing the potential of USTP’s digital transformation initiatives, the Honorable Undersecretary Gerald G. Divinagracia, Deputy Director General for Operations of ARTA, personally visited the DTO booth and allowed the team to showcase its innovations.

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Mr. Jonathan O. Jacobo, DTO Director, emphasized that the University first used the information systems they developed internally. Although several Local Government Units (LGUs) and other government agencies expressed interest in getting the Systems, the University understands that seamless and reliable information systems are the cornerstone of exceptional customer service. By meticulously testing and refining its systems internally, USTP guarantees that its clients experience a smooth and efficient transition to the new technologies.

This commitment to internal digital transformation has already yielded positive results. For instance, the DTO’s Government Integrated Administrative Management System (GIAMS) has streamlined the University’s administrative processes, enhancing efficiency and reducing the tedious manual and repetitive work, thus supporting the ease of doing business and improving customer satisfaction.

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Moreover, USTP DTO’s participation in the EODB Convention was a valuable opportunity to put the University’s digital transformation initiatives on the map. The DTO’s work is gaining recognition from ARTA and other government agencies, and there are possibilities of technology transfer and commercialization from big government agencies that showed interest in adopting the information systems developed by the DTO.

The DTO’s digital transformation strategy goes beyond mere compliance; it is a commitment to providing seamless and efficient services to its clients, the students, and the community. It is about ensuring the University leverages technology to deliver the best possible services to the public. DTO is committed to working with other government agencies to share its best practices and help them achieve their digital transformation goals.

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The DTO team, headed by its Director, Mr. Jonathan O. Jacobo, comprises highly skilled individuals who drive the University’s digital transformation journey. They are Ms. Richelle E. Gerong, USTeP LMS In-Charge and a Faculty from the College of Science and Technology Education, Mr. Cleford G. Payusan, Head of the Development Group/Backend Programmer, and Mr. Jevy L. Ababa, UI/UX Programmer.