After two years of dealing with and learning from the global health crisis, we now re-enter society along with a number of adjustments including our reliance on technology. Nevertheless, the challenge of adapting to the new normal brings opportunity for innovation and digital transformation especially for an organization like the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) XI that continues to seek organizational improvement.

In line with its vision to provide fully automated quality labor and employment by 2030, DOLE XI prioritizes digitalization of its processes to expedite implementation of DOLE programs and services. The Office constantly explores which aspects of digital transformation are important to reap number of benefits, including increased efficiency and improved delivery of services. This has been an essential part of the overall strategy of DOLE XI to increase the organization’s competitiveness.

On top of the list is the online system designed to ensure more efficient implementation of the Government Internship Program (GIP). It provides equal employment opportunities to all aspiring individuals through systematic collection and processing of internship intents. The development of the GIP Online System was also a response to the client’s needs given the prevailing social and environmental situation where a physical transaction is minimized, and digitalization shall be accelerated. The system was launched during the GIP Congress on November 25, 2022, in Davao City and is now in full implementation.

DOLE XI also aims to promote reliability and transparency in its financial transactions through the creation of Cashier Disbursement System (CDS). Developed by DOLE XI’s Cashier Unit and Knowledge Resource Unit, this cloud-based system essentially targets to digitalize cashiering services to achieve higher compliance with regulatory requirements, faster response to the needs of internal and external clients, improved adoptability to digital governance, and increased transparency in managing government resources. CDS automates the recording of data of the approved disbursement vouchers to generation of accountable form and reports. The system also provides dashboard for employees and clients to track paid transactions and status of their receivables from DOLE XI.

Going in for the growing trend of using digital payments, DOLE XI also conducted several benchmarking activities and coordination meetings with GCash and Landbank of the Philippines. This is in line with the Office’s objective to integrate online payment to its programs and services in order to provide convenience for the clients.

In addition, the Office continuously takes advantage of its strong social media presence with over 140K followers on Facebook. The page contains up-to-date and relevant posts of various information, education, communications (IEC) materials. Among these materials are video infographics of Key Frontline Services like the DOLE Integrated Livelihood Program (DILP), Construction Safety and Health Program (CSHP), and Alien Employment Permit (AEP).

“DOLE XI is not new to technological advancements. That’s why we are constantly on the lookout for ways to improve our operations and keep up with the electronic-based society that we are in today to achieve organizational excellence,” said DOLE XI Regional Director Atty. Randolf C. Pensoy.###MFKM