COA finds irregularities in Pilar's computer system

CEBU - Had it implemented proper planning and effective computer system, the town of Pilar’s P2.998 million computerization program could have been fully achieved and additional cost in running the system could have been avoided.

In its 2007 annual report, the Commission on Audit said the status of the town’s implementation of the computerization system is still on-going.

During the inquiry, state auditors were informed that although the hardware is currently in use, the status on the application of the software system is not working as to its expected outputs that were indicated in the purchase release.

COA further discovered that personnel who are the supposed end-users of the system were not consulted before the purchase release was prepared. Because of this, some of the features that were supposed to be included or excluded were not properly deliberated.

There were only two personnel trained in the application of the three software system. Also, with the limited training time, the knowledge of the operation is inadequate and those who are handling the business permit management and treasury collection system have also inadequate knowledge in computerization and were not trained for the job.

The COA also said “there must be adequate training for computer literacy before a computerized system be installed. With this failure of the system to cater the designed outputs, the possibility of an additional cost to run an operational system is high.”

With this, COA recommended that there should be adequate training of personnel who will be using the program in order to ensure proper handling of the system and attain the desired service and outputs.

It was also recommended that consultations with the personnel who are in-charge of the job as well as those who are knowledgeable of the computerized system should be done.

The COA likewise reminded the town to determine the complexity and the need of the system that is to be installed and the problems that might be encountered in running the program so that the needed outputs can be achieved. — Garry B. Lao/WAB