Status of Utilization of Information and Communication and Technology in Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) in the Province of Sorsogon

ABSTRACT: This study determined the status of utilization of ICT in DPWH in Province of Sorsogon for CY 2019. It was a descriptive research design because the data are meant to be described as reflected in the instrument. The respondents were the computer literate employees in DPWH Sorsogon 1st DEO and Sorsogon 2nd DEO. Researcher-made questionnaire was employed as the main instrument. Documentary analysis was incorporated before distribution of instrument. It was subjected to interpretation and analysis with the use of appropriate statistical measures and tools. Frequency count, weighted mean, percentage and rank were the statistical treatments utilized. Along the status of utilization of ICT in human resource management, records management and project management, it garnered an overall weighted mean of 3.96, 3.70 and 4.60 respectively, describing ICT as being highly utilized. While all of the indicators provided in financial management received a weighted mean ranging from 2.10 to 1.69, and all plainly describing ICT as less utilized. Among the challenges encountered by employees, the following was found to be most prevalent: lack of trainings for IT support which results to slow adoption of new technologies; No records management system within the district; insufficient high-end laptops or desktops for design software that causes delay on planning stage and; although all indicators of financial management received low means, slow budget system (e-Budget) for facilitating and monitoring is the main challenge for the variable. A proposed DPWH action development plan was proposed.

Keywords: ICT, information technology, dpwh governance, ict in government, ict utilization

I. INTRODUCTION

Civilizations have come a long way. We, have come a long way, mostly in technology. Hence, development of technology and technological standards surge rapidly. According to Martin, et.al (2009), the advent of Information and Communications Technology (ICT) provided a new platform and medium in the sharing and exchanging of ideas and knowledge in recent times.

ICT’s potentials are merely being discovered and are progressively being tapped over years. The sustainability of high economic growth and efficiency in operations of both private and public institutions, are dependent on the adoption and effective utilization of ICT. Thus, the main challenge by government is its ability to effectively utilize technology for its daily performance. ICT’s significance has already reached the less developed countries.

Based on the study of Kozma and Vota (2014), The information processing and connectivity of ICT can enable and enrich people’s lives only if they have access to it. While the growth of ICT has been exponential, it has not been evenly distributed within societies or around the world. An examination of data from the World Bank on the use of ICT across a select group of countries shows significant regional and national differences. The penetration of computers in high-income countries is quite high (67 computers per 100 people, as of 2007) but very low in Eastern European and Central Asian countries (11 per 100), Latin American countries (11 per 100), East Asian and Pacific countries (6 per 100), and Middle Eastern and North African countries (6 per 100). They are particularly low for South Asian (3 per 100) and Sub-Saharan African countries (2 per 100).

The success stories of utilizing ICTs in developed countries have drawn the attention of researchers in developing countries regarding the beneficial effects of diffusion of ICTs into construction processes. In this regard, Kivrak et al. (2010) in Turkey confirmed that ICTs implementation has a positive impact on all aspects related to project success criteria including time, cost, competitiveness enhancement, and easier information exchange.

In a study of Hosseini, et.al, (2012), the report “Construction 2020” determined the main trend that Australian construction industry followed and the relevant barriers and initiatives into the future of construction industry in Australia extended to the year 2020. The report committee considered all the conditions of the global, local market along with the current state of the industry under question. Integration of computer technologies and knowledge sharing methods found to be the second perceived priority of the respondents of the research.

The Philippines could not be left behind in application of ICT. The advent of computerization in the country started as early as 1969 with the creation of the National Computer Center (NCC) in 1971 through Executive Order 322. The NCC was charged with the task of establishing computerization capacities in the government, which covered systems conceptualization, design and development, implementation, and human resource development. (NITC, 2000 pp.1-37).

One of the most information-intensive executive department in the Philippines that functions as the engineering and construction arm of the Government is Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH). From the ratio of personnel per computer in DPWH with 18,250 personnel to only 631 computers, a below average of 29:1, numbers from DBM and NCC (NITC, 2000), DPWH has recognized the use of ICT as essential tool for improving data, project monitoring, and communication in processes, thus, ICT equipment soared.

Moreover, Ozumba, et.al (2008) added that advanced applications of ICT such as Modelling and Visualization technologies, Mobile Computing, Electronic Document Management Systems, GPS, Site Surveillance Technologies (CCTV, Drone Technology, etc.) and Teleconferencing have been used to some success in many other countries to improve productivity.

Supported with strict implementation of DO No. 13 S.2015: Policies and Guidelines on the use of DPWH ICT resources and department orders, usage of newer software and technologies commenced. The need for GPS enabled mobile phones for Infra Track application, which was newly implemented that uses geo-tagging technology, specified on D.O 16 S.2018 with constant monitoring of Project and Contract Management Application (PCMA) is an utmost priority. Recently, the addition of Drone Technology for inspection and site technologies made easier for monitoring and surveying.

Procured ICT equipment such as high-end smartphones, laptops, and cameras are being used for geotagging of projects needed for project monitoring, constant communication with project inspectors, project engineers and meeting of contractors for better output of each projects. Furthermore, the usage of intranet and internet makes it easier for communication to and from several departments of DPWH. Integration of financial systems were also being monitored personally of the IT support, to emphasize its importance to the district.

However, as an employee of the district, the researcher has been keen on the surging manpower due to Build Build Build, number of ICT equipment and limited software. One IT officer and his lone staff cannot render services to the whole district simultaneously that hampers the utilization of ICT. Also, genuine CAD software is limited to few that majority of users has trial only software. Employees were accepting non-related office jobs from contractors with the use of agency’s ICT equipment. High-end smartphones and laptops were being brought into their homes which decreases the performance of the equipment and no preventive maintenance to each device. Lastly, lack of defined system for bidding where transparency is a must.

As to the number of IT personnel, about 0.3% of an estimated 1.2 million government employees may be considered as IT personnel (NITC, 2000 p.33). As of 2018, it can be observed that per District, there’s only one IT Support. National Government made efforts that wouldn’t just integrate ICTs, but for a transparent and upright public service. It leads to the adherence of EO 605, s. 2007 Section 1, to adopt ISO 9001:2000 Quality Management Systems as part of the implementation of a government-wide quality management program.

DPWH Sorsogon was later on certified of ISO 9001:2008 and 2015. Later, districts received zero non-conformities pursuant to ISO standards and ICT receiving preventive maintenance, server, monitoring reports, and equipment reports all were also in conformity with ISO 9001:2015 standards. Nonetheless, after less than a year, it appears that increasing number of employees affects the status of utilization of ICT in both districts.

It has two districts namely DPWH Sorsogon 1st DEO and DPWH Sorsogon 2nd DEO. Through the data gathered and interpreted in this study, it may give a portrayal of the actual status of ICT utilization in two districts. It may help central and regional office in issuing department orders and trainings that will support its implementation.

It specifically aims to provide the status ICT utilization of each variables: Human Resource Management, Records Management, Project Management, and Financial Management, which were included in Quality Management System, discover problems and provide solutions to existing policies that may bridge the gap of application of quality management to each variable equipped with appropriate utilization of ICT, discover problems encountered along the identified variables and what could be recommended based on the result of the study.

1.1 Scope

It focuses on the status of utilization of Information and Communications Technology (ICT) in DPWH in the Province of Sorsogon CY 2019 which focused on the following variables: Human Resource Management, Records Management, Project Management, and Financial Management. These variables are included in the Quality Management System Manual of the District which has certification of ISO 9001:2008 and ISO 9001:2015. The problems met by the employees along the identified variables and proposed measures to improve the utilization are also involved in this study.

The areas covered are DPWH Sorsogon 1st DEO and DPWH Sorsogon 2nd DEO, both located in the Province of Sorsogon. All employees in any nature of employment (permanent, job order, casual, floating, co-terminus, laborer) are included as respondents for both District, but, should be computer literate.

Not included in the study were DPWH offices outside the Province of Sorsogon. After classification of employees’ nature of work, respondents were classified and some were removed based on the variables, as computer illiterate employees were also removed. Also, Chief of Sections were not included in the study including the Assistant District Engineer and District Engineer, however, the Chief of Finance Section is an exception, as he is hands on as a Finance Officer.

1.2 Related Literature and Studies

Valencia, and authors of ICT Development in the Philippines and Inquirer affixed in their articles the importance of ICT in Philippines and showed data for relevance of the articles on how Philippines soared using ICT. Levy, Zawdie and Langford also included the significance of construction sector in development of a country. Hence, Heydarian in his article, discussed infrastructure driven approach of the current President of the Philippines and how ICT would be beneficial in infrastructure development.

Mane, Patil, Alaudin, Hassan and Chin et al, discussed the significance of quality management system in a construction industry and how it affects the overall construction process and project completion which leads to support to variables in quality management system.

Initially, an explanation of Serge, et.al, Valverde, et.al, Oluwafemi, et.al, Wright, McMahan and Feng defined human resource management, showed the benefits the application of ICT to human resource, adoption of software to improve conventional method of human resourcing, and importance of training and development to employees.

Secondly, Downing and Devanand defined records management, explains the importance of project records and documents to its project completion and execution and significance of electronic document management system (EDMS/DMS). While Demong discussed the significance of document tracking system in an organization. Serkan & Emel finally added that contractors were a factor in handling records.

Thirdly, studies of Hassan, McCaffer and Al-Qazzaz explained the application of total quality management, importance of ICT towards project management and software utilization affects the overall quality of every construction phase of a project.

Lastly, Introduction to Construction Financial Management, Effects of Information Technology on Financial Services Systems, Ahmed and Banovic briefly discussed the application of ICT to financial management, financial systems, budgeting system and allocation of budget to ICT.

However, several studies and literatures also showed constraints, factors and barriers in regard to utilization of ICT. Abdul Kareem and Abu Bakar showed in his study that although some construction sectors don’t have feasibility study, they still integrated ICT and that it was not fully utilized. In line with this, RoadCon Project, Zeng,et.al, Peansupap, Walker, and Hewage, found out that limited budget for ICT investment, commitment from other project participants, issues of ICT standardization, security problems, lack of industry wide standards, lack of managers interest on ICT, lack of funding and people for new innovations, unclear needs, maintenance cost, lack of appropriate ICT support, inefficient use of software, other issues for electronic information and documentation and human issues were some of the constraint in ICT utilization and the need for studying workforces’ skills level is a must.

II. METHODS

2.1 Research Design

This study determined the status of utilization of information and communications technology in DPWH in the province of Sorsogon. It used the descriptive research design because data are to be defined as reflected in the instrument. The total respondents were 180 respondents, composed of 90 computer literate employees of each district.

The main instrument used in this study is a researcher-made questionnaire distributed per district. Records from human resource section were utilized. In addition, documentary analysis was used. The gathered data were analyzed by appropriate statistical tools and measure with the help of statistician.

2.2 The Sample

The main source of data was taken exclusively from 180 respondents of DPWH Sorsogon 1ST and 2ND District Engineering Offices. Job orders were included in the selection as they cover a big part in the districts. The researcher utilized the record of list of personnel from human resource and used purposive sampling to determine the computer literate employees that has knowledge and experience over the actual utilization of ICT.

Not included as respondents of the study were those districts outside the Province of Sorsogon and those employees that are computer illiterate.

2.3 The Instrument

The main instrument used to gather the needed data is a researcher-made questionnaire. The questionnaire allowed the target respondents to assess the status of utilization of ICT. The questionnaire was personally delivered to each district to prevent data mix up. The first page of the questionnaire contains a letter of asking permission for the respondents.

For the purpose of the study, the questions were grouped under two parts. The first part included the selection of personally utilized variable in a form of checklist and assessing the level of utilization of ICT based from the latter. This is in relation to tasks and activities carried out within the agency. It used the five-point type Likert ordinal scale to measure status of utilization. The indicators adopted in each variable was taken from the quality management system manual of the department, ISO 9001:2015.

The second part included the determination of possibly encountered problems by the respondents and ranking of the topmost problem along identified variables. The last page of the questionnaire was for the suggestions and recommendations of respondents. The prepared questionnaire was presented to the adviser, statistician and panel members for comments and further improvement on July 24, 2019. After its finalization, the researcher conducted a dry run to 8 respondents on August 13, 2019, 4 respondents of each district representing each variable.

The research instrument undergone validation process. The proponent rephrased some indicators based on the result of dry run and consultation to the statistician. The Likert ordinal scale to determine the frequency of occurrence of the problem encountered was replaced with the ranking of the topmost possibly encountered problem.

2.4 Data Collection Procedures

Beforehand, the researcher prepared pertinent documents for obtaining permission from head of office on August 28, 2019. This informed concerned officials regarding the current study. The researcher disseminated questionnaires to DPWH Sorsogon 1st DEO, Guinlajon, Sorsogon City and visited the same day the DPWH Sorsogon 2nd DEO, Payawin, Gubat, Sorsogon for distribution of questionnaires.

The researcher also ensured that the questionnaire was given to each section personally to prevent loss of questionnaires. The researcher likewise requested the list of personnel records with designation from both districts to purposively select qualified respondents. The records were analyzed to determine the capability of a respondent to answer the questionnaire. After 14 working days, September 11, 2019, retrieval commenced. The proponent ensured the 100% retrieval of the questionnaires. The tabulation and summary of data followed.

2.5 Data Analysis Procedures

The data were tabulated, analyzed and interpreted through the appropriate usage of statistical tools and measures with the help of researchers’ statistician.

To determine the status of utilization of ICT, weighted mean was applied. The Likert scale below was used to determine the actual status of utilization of ICT along given indicators each variable.

To identify problems encountered in each variable, average and rank were incorporated.

Description Scale

Very Highly 4.5 – 5.00

Highly Utilized 3.5 – 4.49

Averagely 2.50 – 3.49

Less 1.50 – 2.49

Not 1.49 – below

III. RESULTS

3.1 Status of Utilization of Information and Communication Technology along Human Resource Management, Records Management, Project Management and Financial Management

This chapter presents, analyzes and interprets the gathered data from the respondents. Presentation was done through tables with corresponding discussions to make it clearer and more understandable to the readers.

The data were presented as follows to facilitate data analysis and interpretation: 1. status of utilization of Information and Communications Technology along human resource management, records management, project management, and financial management. 2. problems encountered in the utilization of ICT the identified variables, and 3. proposed DPWH action development plan for the utilization of Information and Communications Technology in the province of Sorsogon.

3.1.1 Human Resource Management

Table 2-A showed the status of utilization of ICT of the employees in terms of human resource management and outlines the seven indicators.

As presented in the table, issuance of service of record and certificate of employment, issuance of permanent appointment, and hiring of job order personnel procedure got an average weighted mean of 4.42, 4.24, and 4.21 respectively, which falls on the range of a highly utilized ICT. On the other hand, preparation of annual training calendar got the lowest rating, with an average weighted mean of 3.30, which respondents considered falling on an averagely utilized level. The overall rating of utilization of ICT along human resource management has an overall weighted mean of 3.96. This implies that employees, experiences utilization of ICT in human resource management as highly utilized.

TABLE 2-A

Status of Utilization of ICT by Employees along Human Resource Management

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3.1.2 Records Management

Table 2-B showed the status of utilization of ICT of the employees in terms of records management and outlines the seven indicators.

It can be observed that documents tracking system, incoming documents procedure, and retrieval of documents received 4.45, 4.37 and 3.90 respectively as the three highest indicators utilizing ICT. Further, document tracking system center, got the second highest rating among the thirty indicators, giving the process its significance and importance within each District.

TABLE 2-B

Status of Utilization of ICT by Employees along Records Management

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While file management got the lowest rating with an average weighted mean of 2.91 but still falls on an averagely utilized level. The overall rating of utilization of ICT along records management has an overall weighted mean of 3.70. This indicates that while both districts are having a little hard time in conforming for the documents procedure, and control; document tracking system center and incoming documents procedure pulled the variable through to a highly utilized level.

3.1.3 Project Management

Table 2-C showed the status of utilization of ICT of the employees in terms of project management and outlines the eight indicators.

It can be viewed that conduct of detailed engineering activities got the highest rating of a weighted mean of 4.60, falling onto a very highly utilized level. Of all the indicators in each variable, this indicator reached the very highly utilized level. Followed by conduct of parcellary survey, gaining a weighted mean of 4.44, a highly utilized process. Project documentation and monitoring and evaluation falls at a weighted mean of 4.40, on a highly utilized process.

TABLE 2C

Status of Utilization of ICT by Employees along Project Management

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Conduct of hydrologic survey and data collection got the least weighted mean of 3.54. The over-all rating of utilization of ICT along project management has an overall weighted mean of 4.25 falling on a highly utilized level.

3.1.4 Financial Management

Table 2-D showed the status of utilization of ICT of the employees in terms of financial management and outlines the eight indicators.

As plain as it shows, financial management’s indicators all received a less utilized level of ICT. LLDAP-ADA and payment of accounts payable, receiving a weighted mean of 2.10. Issuance of obligation request receiving a 2.07 weighted mean.

Respondents rated disbursement on a less utilized process, with a weighted average mean of 2.06. The three processes in all of the indicators which received the lowest rating were: procurement procedure for civil works, eligibility process and process in the opening, evaluation and post qualification of bids, with 1.77, 1,72 and 1.69 weighted means respectively.

TABLE 2-D

Status of Utilization of ICT by Employees along Financial Management

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The over-all rating of utilization of ICT along financial management has an overall weighted mean of 1.94. Financial management was responded with 20 employees from DPWH Sorsogon 1st and 33 from DPWH Sorsogon 2nd, a total of 53 out of 180 employees in the District. It merely constitutes to 29.44% of the total respondents, a reason why it received an overall weighted mean of 1.94, falling on a less utilized.

3.2 Problems Encountered along the identified variables on the utilization of ICT

3.2.1 Human Resource Management

Table 3-A revealed the problems encountered by the respondents on the utilization of ICT in terms of human resource management.

It can be observed from the table that lack of trainings for IT support which results to slow adoption of new technologies ranks as the topmost problem for human resource management of both districts with a sum of rank of 123.

TABLE 3-A

Problems Encountered by Employees in Utilization of ICT along Human Resource Management

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Followed by personnel information system as not yet fully operational for all of the employees, a sum of rank of 178; delayed issuance of service records and certificate of employment due to hardware failure of computer, a sum of rank of 251 – which marks as the most used indicators. It infers the need of upgraded systems and additional ICT trainings, not only to IT Officer, but as well as to its IT staff. No on-line publication for vacant position was ranked as lowest as both districts are up-to-date in posting and publishing vacant positions.

3.2.2 Records Management

Table 3-B revealed the problems encountered by the respondents on the utilization of ICT in terms of records management.

As presented in the table, no records management system within the district, is the topmost problem for records management receiving a total rank of 141.5.

TABLE 3-B

Problems Encountered by Employees in Utilization of ICT along Records Management

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Followed by document tracking system for civil works is always offline which causes delay for sending documents to succeeding section, a sum of rank of 186 and slow process of receiving documents, a sum of rank of 233. Unnecessary storage of no value records was ranked last as problem implies the non-factor of storing with the use of high storage drives.

3.2.3 Project Management

Table 3-C revealed the problems encountered by the respondents on the utilization of ICT in terms of project management.

It can be inferred that insufficient high-end laptops or desktop for design software that causes delay on planning stage is the topmost problem in project management utilizing ICT, a sum of rank of 350. Incorrect documents received as per checking in the tracking system, a sum of rank of 378.

TABLE 3-C

Problems Encountered by Employees in Utilization of ICT along Project Management

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Followed by lack of communication to project affected persons, a sum of rank of 394. Incorrect input and upload of road condition data in data entry system was ranked last.

3.2.4 Financial Management

Table 3-D revealed the problems encountered by the respondents on the utilization of ICT in terms of financial management.

Presented below as the topmost problem encountered in utilization of ICT in financial management is the slow budget system (e-budget) for facilitating and monitoring, a sum of rank of 146. The number of employees who responded with financial management mattered as it pulled down to less utilized level in utilization of ICT.

TABLE 3-D

Problems Encountered by Employees in Utilization of ICT along Financial Management

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Followed by some disbursements are not yet included in tracking system, as civil works projects disbursements are only included, a sum of rank of 174; lack of ICT support for procurement and each section, a sum of rank of 175.

No publication of invitation to bid on DPWH and PhilGeps website limited bidders only was ranked as last with a sum of rank of 370.5, which means that this is not relevant as problem to financial management to because there was no instance where an invitation to bid was not posted in Philgeps.

4. DISCUSSIONS

4.1 Status of Utilization of Information and Communication Technology along Human Resource Management, Records Management, Project Management and Financial Management

4.1.1 Human Resource Management

The results showed that perceived utilization of ICT starts with recruitment and issuance of HR related documents. Serge (2016) emphasizes the use of ICT in HR recruitment, planning, evaluation, training and development to better enhances its efficiency, faster operations and reduces data errors. It also inferred that most of employees are rarely given trainings, lack of knowledge and lacks training management.

Here, supported by Wright & McMahan, it stressed the training and development for the purpose of improving the projects performance systematically.

Oluwafemi J, et.al (2014) revealed in their research which created a system, facilitated fast and accurate employee information storage, editing and retrieval, which, in the long run, reduced the problems associated with manual undertaking of human resources activities, and, by and large, improved the efficiency of HR departments in general, and HR managers in particular. Studies showed that the research work improved the conventional (manual) method of keeping records and rendering services.

4.1.2 Records Management

Document tracking system center, got the second highest rating among the thirty indicators, giving the process its significance and importance within each District. Document tracking system center (DoTS) is the center point of records management and commonly used platform of tracking documents but for civil works only. It can also be monitored from the central office. Proper usage of the system entails good intranet connection and knowledge of user that tracks down a specific document. This indicates that a defined tracking system and incoming documents initially controls the start of a records management.

Demong, et.al (2009) concluded and maintained that this system (document tracking system) is one of the major systems that the organization must have to handle the management and tracking of documents. It gives many benefits and helps the top-level management to retrieve the document easily at anytime and anywhere with the support of the Internet connection.

Also, the usage of file management is minimal in connection to the utilization of ICT receiving a little more rating before dropping to a less utilized level. The study of Devanand (2015) underscores the relevance of DMS in a construction industry backing up the utmost relevance of electronic file management.

Gangane, et.al (2017) revealed that construction documents and records are inseparable part of any construction project. They differ from project to project and stage to stage of the respective project. Records and documents are important tools for timely project completion with efficient use of man, machine, material, and money, which led to overall sustainable project.

4.1.3 Project Management

It indicated a high usage of design phase from the “Build Build Build” campaign which lead to numerous projects which initiates the usage of ICT on its initial phase that contributes significantly to the overall construction work.

The indicators receiving highest results implies that project managements’ success is critical in the initial phase of a project. The utilization of high-end laptops, desktops and genuine software is highest in planning and design. Al-Qazzaz reiterated the limitations of traditional software programming technique, data error by humans, data transfer from design phase to construction lead to numerous shortcomings and the complete data to be input by planner is essential similar to conduction of parcellary survey.

Olofin, et.al (2016) showed that ICT in building construction can be used in developing countries to improve construction methods and reduce cost. The use of innovation in modern building construction was encouraged by developing countries through collaboration with researchers in developed countries and globalization. Despite obvious challenges of ICT utilization in building design and construction, developing countries benefited more from using ICT in construction.

4.1.4 Financial Management

The results showed that financial managements indicators were less utilized in both districts. This inferred that employees lack financial awareness and financial systems of accounting department lacks contributes to the overall success of financial management.

Banovic (2005) concluded in his study that business environment conditions are no longer the same and budgeting systems need to become more responsive. The point is to customize internal systems, including planning and control, to requirements, needs and abilities that each company faces. Whether that will be achieved by the installation of rolling budgets or any other method of better budgeting techniques, only depends on the dimension of tradition budgeting that managements want to target and change.

It is proven that procurement section, with its technicality, complexity and keen to transparency are not trusted by employees. It also received five rating as being not utilized at all in the agency.

Andrabi, et. al (2015) explained that ICT helped every modern system to perform all its operations with “computer as the middle” principle. The application of ICT in financial management has accounted to a lot more success and efficiency in performing various operations related to different activities to commit a financial transaction. So for as the efficiency and effectiveness of ICT is concerned it has notably produced better throughputs which were acceptable and reliable. The need of the hour is the plan and develop more security measures to ensure authentic and secure client and server communication.

4.2 Problems Encountered along the identified variables on the utilization of ICT

4.2.1 Human Resource Management

It can be implied that lack of trainings for IT support greatly affects the overall utilization of technologies within the district not only to human resource management.

It infers the need of upgraded systems and additional ICT trainings, not only to IT Officer, but as well as to its IT staff. As supported by Feng (2008), concluded and stated in his study:

“The significant nature of IT is high levels of capital investment to computer systems and networks. So, without an explicit understanding of organizational productivity improvement, managers would not spend money on IT. Yet, simply spending money on IT is not enough. Lack of time for training staff and changes to work processes are problems too. Therefore, it is important to develop technology training and change conventional work processes. Corresponding management departments may develop IT implementation policy, integrate technology training with talent introduction to solve personnel source shortage associated with the IT implementation. That is, construction administration may hold lectures publicizing IT application, organize research to quantify the benefits in adopting IT, improve technology training of available man-power; and introduce qualified persons. Compelling statute, such as stipulating IT training time each year and setting up check-up system, may be issued to ensure effective technology training.”

4.2.2 Records Management

No records management system leads to disruptive collection, distribution and disposition of records within the district. Some perceived the system as document tracking system (DoTS), nevertheless, the district has no defined records management system.

Devanand (2015) explained in his study that the use of document management system picked up its pace in modern day complex projects in construction and infrastructure industry. The importance of using such a system on projects were realized right at the conception level and necessary precautions ensured the project and the project team members benefited to the maximum. At the end of the day, we all strive to achieve the best possible results out of a project with the given time, cost and scope.

4.2.3 Project Management

It can be inferred that insufficient high-end laptops or desktop for design software that causes delay on planning stage is the topmost problem in project management. With the rapid changes in technology affecting the processes in construction sector, the significance of up-to-date laptops and desktops for work consumption increased. The importance on planning stage that is crucial to completion of infrastructures.

It can be inferred that most of the respondents in both districts, needs high end laptops or desktop for design software, attached with these are, high end and newly created computer aided software. Several studies had concluded regarding ICT application in construction industry. Salih and Ahmed (2014) said that:

“ Software is an extremely powerful tool and can be adapted to specific needs in order to serve the intended purpose of any project. Software performance in multiple and complex calculations has successful contributions due to their principles. The principles of the software, which always stands out as a valuable asset, are saving time, reducing the civil engineer’s workload and manpower, lowering total cost and ensuring a high level of accuracy.”

Feng (2008) likewise added that the use of IT in construction industry is growing rapidly in China, and the main use is office application, computer aided design (CAD), tools software, including, cost evaluation software, quota management software, quantity calculation software, steel quantity calculation software, and communication networks. However, managing IT effectively is becoming complex due to a number of well-documented barriers. Particularly specific barriers to developing countries include the lack of personnel skilled in the management, use and support of IT, poor quality and/or quantity of telecommunications infrastructure, web-based information primarily in English and the high rate of computer illiteracy amongst employees

4.2.4 Financial Management

Slow budget system partakes significance to the overall performance of the variable, thus, being pointed out by the respondents as topmost problem. These three highest ranked problems correspond with each other, slow budget system and some disbursement not included in tracking system needs ICT support for everyday monitoring and back up of financial transactions. This likewise implied that financial managements’ success starts in better handling of budget system and it needs financial awareness of processes through any form of communication to each employee.

In his study in Kuwaiti construction, Fereig & Oaddumi revealed that in the area of administrative applications, accounting ranks as the most frequently used, followed by general ledger and word processing, while estimation and developing a cost data base are the main applications in the engineering area. Scheduling applications in the project planning area are also widely used.

4.3 Proposed DPWH Action Development Plan for the utilization of ICT in the Province of Sorsogon

Based on the findings of this study, a DPWH action development plan, aside from the individual development plan (IDP) and strategic performance management system (SPMS) of the districts, was abstracted to focus on the problems encountered on each variable: human resource management, records management, project management, and financial management. Likewise, it will also concentrate to the improvement of utilization of ICT in financial management, as the only variable considered as less utilized.

Rationale

Pursuant to CSC Memorandum Circular No. 6 Series of 2012, a complete guideline was set forth for creation of SPMS. Later, DPWH started to adopt the system as established by DO 32 S.2014. One of the policy guidelines was that, DPWH SPMS is made to be an integral part of the human resource management and capacity development program of the department and an individual development plan to improve the agency and employees.

Human resource management should have implemented it, as a major factor, well and thoroughly for the purpose of agency’s objectives. The creation of documents to support SPMS is easy enough for decentralized form of government. The monitoring and evaluation are dispersed across the country; thus, each agency is not monitored. Hence, the creation of an action development plan independent from SPMS or individual development plan of each employee.

Based on the findings of the study, the combination of manpower incapacity, hardware and software letdowns, as well as the processes of financial management relative to utilization of ICT, hampers the overall performance of the district in the province of Sorsogon, as attended by the respondents. The researcher was motivated to recommend a DPWH action development plan, quite similar to SPMS, but excluding performance-based compensations, to further enhance utilization of ICT in accordance to procedures manual. Leadership and empowerment should be thoroughly established by the central office for the benefit of the agency, province’s citizens and external stakeholders.

General Objective

Propose a DPWH action development plan that will provide engineering offices in province of Sorsogon thoroughly planned, adequate and crucial activities along human resource management, records management, project management and especially, financial management.

Specific Objectives:

1. Provide additional manpower and trainings particularly for ICT and supports.
2. Create systems essential to the needs of the agency.
3. Increase expenditure for hardware acquisitions with justifications for massive infrastructures to meet the ends of national development plan.
4. Financial management transparency, literacy, and involvement of rank in file employees regardless of nature of employment.

5. CONCLUSIONS

From the findings mentioned above, the following conclusions were drawn:

1. Unfamiliarity and limited ICT support are attended by employees in financial management indicators.
2. Employees rely on ICT manpower, skills, hardware and software capability of the district that needs to be improved.
3. A DPWH action development plan for utilization of ICT in the Province of Sorsogon for CY 2020-2021 is proposed.

6. RECOMMENDATIONS

Based on the findings and conclusions, the following recommendations are given:

1. A yearly internal quality audit specifically to ICT applications and utilization may be done by central office to ensure direct compliance of quality management.
2. The district may allocate more and invest in ICT to provide trainings, workshops, creation of systems and information dissemination to difficult processes.
3. Adapting of the proposed DPWH action development plan for utilization of ICT in the Province of Sorsogon.
4. An in-depth study of the proposed systems to be implemented and should be developed in the district to minimize the constraints observed.
5. A similar study engaging in different methods may be done by future researchers to further enhance and adopt changes of technology in the districts.

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