PA-led group sets dry run of payroll system enhancements

PA-led group sets dry run of payroll system enhancements

In response to the proposal of Provincial Administrator Maybelle Dumlao-Sevillena concerning the need to immediately address delays in the preparation and processing of payrolls, Governor Carlos M. Padilla created an Ad hoc Committee on the Automation of Payroll System of the Provincial Government of Nueva Vizcaya (PGNV) through a Special Designation Order that he issued on November 25, 2021.

PA Sevillena’s initiative simply reiterates the notion that employees are the most valuable assets and the backbone of the PGNV, that without their expertise, even the most powerful machinery with the latest technology would be unable to function.

She emphasized that delays in the processing of payrolls are not only prejudicial to the interests of the employees and their families, most especially those who depend solely on their salaries for subsistence, but also to the reputation of the PGNV itself.

The Ad hoc Committee that is composed of key officers headed by PA Sevillena has been mandated by Governor Padilla to undertake a study of the existing Electronic Personnel Management System (EPMS) of the PGNV, the legal implications of using electronic signatures in online transactions, and other related concerns.

In its Resolution No. 01-s2021, dated December 29, 2021, the Ad hoc Committee has set the dry run of its initial proposed EPMS enhancements in January 2022.

These consist mainly of moving back the cutoff payroll period by half-month and a streamlining of the usual manual steps and procedures, which all surfaced as a result of the series of onsite visits, and online and face-to-face brainstorming sessions of the PA-led study group.

They will be venturing next on the use of electronic signatures and transactions which, according to the Provincial Information Technology Division Chief, form part of the integrated system that they are currently working on.

In one of its press releases in 2020, the Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA) took cognizance of the “New Normal” phenomenon that dictates heightened zero-contact measures, placement of relevant on-site signage and online information materials, as well as the establishment or maximization of various forms of electronic/digital (e-governance) platforms/mechanisms. The ARTA stated, “The future of government services will all be online, with digital payments and digital signatures being among those critical aspects that government offices should learn to embrace to enable the complete online performance of government services in their agencies. In line with this, the COA affirmed that the use of electronic transactions in government is promoted under the Electronic Commerce Act, including the acceptance of payments and issuance of receipts using electronic data messages and electronic documents. COA’s affirmation on the validity and acceptability of these digital solutions for government services would allow agencies to decisively proceed with their automation programs. The COA, however, advises that any agency intending to utilize digital signatures and certificates must adopt internal rules and controls on their use, including the duties, responsibilities, and accountabilities of the users, and penalties for their improper use and negligence, among others. At a minimum, the controls should ensure the authenticity and integrity of documents, and non-repudiation of the signatures.”