In its efforts to streamline and improve the internal operations and delivery of information to its clients, the Department of Agriculture-Bureau of Agricultural Research (DA-BAR) launched eight automated systems developed by in-house programmers on 16 December 2021.
Initiated during the incumbency of former DA-BAR director Dr. Vivencio R. Mamaril, the Libreng Libro sa BAR which was first launched on 12 April 2021 is an online book fair featuring 143 books on agriculture and fisheries research for development technologies.
Further, the Planting Material Information System which will be turned over to the DA-Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI) was developed to facilitate the timely information sharing on plant materials available in DA regional field offices, DA-BPI regional offices, and state universities and colleges.
And, in support of the bureau’s internal operations, the following were automated: Personal Data Sheet System, Personnel Promotion and Hiring System, Work-from-Home System, Travel Order System, Online External Provider Evaluation System, and Vaccination Record System.
Five more systems are in the pipeline: BAR Techflix, Application for Leave, Request for Vehicle, Document Tracking System, and BAR Drive Storage System.
“I wish to commend the bureau and its initial steps towards the government’s path to digital governance through the development of various automated information systems…Make these information systems operational and maximize its purpose. I encourage everyone to work together to continue to improve your services,” said Agriculture Secretary Dr. William D. Dar.
“I further challenge all of you to share the systems to other agencies. Collectively may we, at the department, move forward to digitizing our files and records,” Dar added.
During the culmination program on the same day, 10 staff members and two retiring personnel were also recognized for their service and hard work.
Julia A. Lapitan, Cynthia Remedios V. De Guia, Ethcel Princess P. Libang, and Juan Nikolas A. Paller were awarded as the best division head, assistant division head, section head, and technical staff, respectively, for 2020 following the DA-BAR PRAISE guidelines. Prior to the organizational restructuring earlier this year, they served as heads of their respective ad hoc divisions and units.
Other staff who were recognized for their relentless efforts and extraordinary service as frontliner for the bureau in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic were: Christopher F. Lazaro, Elec I. Yadao, Abelardo G. De Jesus, Jr., Rhaine M. Borres, Manny B. Sumera, and Nestor S. Nebreja, Jr.
Two retiring staff, Ma. Louella S. Dejelo (administrative assistant of the Knowledge Management and Information Systems Division) and Dorina S. Rojas (training specialist of the Administrative Support Services-Human Resource Management Unit), were also acknowledged and applauded for their 25 and 16 years of service, respectively.