In an aim to strengthen its management information system, the Bangsamoro Development Agency (BDA) with the support of the European Union, through its International Monitoring Team-Humanitarian Rehabilitation and Development Component (IMT-HRDC), conducted series of training-workshops on DataShare software from November 25 to December 12, 2013 at Cotabato City.

About 56 participants from the Central Management and Regional Management Offices of the BDA joined the said workshop.

During the training, participants are introduced of DataShare System software. The resource person was Mr. Victor Sapar, ICT for Development Specialist from Davao City.

DataShare is an online system for data management featuring digital collection. It has been long plan and desired by BDA for its data management system.

According to Ustadz Mohammad Yacob, Executive Director of BDA, the system will be a great help for BDA to strengthen its data management system and also for capacity building for its staff.

“I expect from you to apply the learning you get from this training because BDA, your Regions chose you for this, and it is your responsibility now to make use of this for the development of BDA,” Ustadz Yacob said.

In the training, participants used Android Tablets since the topics discussed require actual application using this gadget. Also required is the availability of internet connection.

Among the steps undertaken are setting of Google account for participants. This was important since the software requires use of google drive where all shared files are stored.

In developing the skills of the participants on file management and file storage, several activities were undertaken such as picture taking for photo storage, typing speed, video capturing, data gathering using online stored form, making of folders and sub-folders online, storage, editing and saving of files online using the system.

Mr. Sapar also provided tips on data management and data storage such as file naming, two-hand typing, use of folder and sub-folders, others. He likewise gave tips on account safety and security.

Batch composition

Conducted for three consecutive weeks, the participants are grouped by BDA regional clusters. Each region has seven (7) participants. The first batch was composed of participants from Central Mindanao and Southern Mindanao Regions. Second batch came from Ranaw and Zamboanga Peninsula Regions. The third batch was composed of participants from Zamboanga-Basilan, Davao and Sulu-Tawi-Tawi Regions. There were also participants from Central Management Office of BDA who attended the training.

Participant’s Impressions

One significant part of this training is the feedbacking or getting the impressions of the participants. Most of them said that this is their first to have this kind of training and to get to know about the system. Accordingly, they find it useful in enhancing their skills to be more effective in carrying out their respective duties and responsibilities. The participants though shared concerns on some challenges that they foresee in adopting the system. Among these are on sustainability of knowledge, safety and security of information,

In response, the resource person informed participants that BDA shall be receiving units of Samsung Tablets for use in the data management system of the agency applying the skills learned from this training.

“As to the confidentiality of information, it is for BDA to determine which information are to be stored or not. It is the BDA which shall set the corresponding guidelines and policies on this matter”, said Mr. Sapar.

BDA’s Inventory of Data Management System

During the training, participants also shared challenge on different systems used for data management given that BDA has several programs.

“One of our problems for our data management is that we handle different programs and each program has different information needed and templates used for instance”, said one participant.

Mr. Sapar suggested BDA Management Information Unit to conduct inventory of systems used and to see how each system or template can be improved and complement each other.

It is also expected that through this, BDA shall be able to further solicit feedback from Regional Management Offices (RMOs) for their comments and suggestions towards the improvement of BDA Management Information System (MIS).

Training for Administrator

DataShare is an online system used for data management. In adopting this system, a pool of administrator shall be organized and trained to equip them of necessary skills and knowledge in administering the system to be set up for the organization.

BDA identified officers and staff of Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation Division as part of system administrators led by Ms. Norhaini Manongkarang, Head of BDA Planning Monitoring and Evaluation Division. Other members are: Ms. Rahima Hassan, Mr. Abdulmaguid Salidatan, Mr. Kharim Amil, Mr. Antara Alfonso, Mr. Jodsbarie Compania, and Mr. Marbawi Edza, from BDA Central Mindanao region.

The training for Administrators was conducted on December 17-20, 2013 at BDA Central Management Office (CMO), Cotabato City.