Overview
A web-based system is helping the Municipal Government of Cavinti in Laguna monitor real-time income and expenditure while providing constituents updates on how their taxes are spent. The Government Revenue, Accountability, and Transparency System 3.0 (GReAT) is interconnected with other systems, including the Real Property Tax Assessment and Treasury Systems, and can be installed on multiple operating systems. The solution provided by GReAT is a simplified, user-friendly interface that can be customized to the workflow of LGU staff and is secured with user credentials, daily backups, IP-limited access, and data change policing.
Challenge
The main productivity challenge being addressed by the Municipal Government of Cavinti’s GReAT is the inefficiency caused by the manual processing of local government transactions. As a result of this manual process, local government employees spend a significant amount of time completing paperwork, which reduces their overall productivity. The manual processing would also mean spending money on supplies, which could be reduced by the adoption of innovative technologies. The manual process also slows down the delivery of government services, which can lead to dissatisfaction among constituents.
Solution
The GReAT initiative addresses the challenge of low productivity caused by the manual processing of local government transactions by providing an open-source, web-based system. It comes with an e-Dashboard, which allows users to monitor real-time income and expenditure. This feature provides a visual representation of financial transactions, making it easier for local government employees to track revenue and expenditures, and for constituents to see how their taxes are being spent.
GReAT has 17 interconnected modules, including Accounting, Budget, Payroll, Revenue Generating, and Data Management, among others. GReAT addresses the inefficiency and reduced productivity of government employees brought about by manual processing of transactions.
Moreover, the use of GReAT also enhances accountability and transparency in the government revenue system. The system tracks and stores all financial transactions, making it easier to monitor revenue and expenditures, and to detect and prevent fraud and corruption.
Another innovative feature of GReAT is its customization capabilities. The system can be customized to the workflow of LGU staff, making the transition from manual to computerized transactions easier. The system’s user-friendly interface, similar to social media platforms, also allows for easy adoption by local government employees.
The interconnectivity of GReAT with other systems such as the Real Property Tax Assessment System, Treasury System, Business Permits and Licensing System, etc., is also an innovative feature that makes it easier for the LGU to manage various processes and transactions in a centralized and streamlined manner.
In addition, GReAT’s security features, such as user credentials, daily backups, IP-limited access, and data change policing, ensure that financial transactions are safe and secure. The system is also compliant with Republic Act No. 8792 or the e-Commerce Act of the Philippines, promoting the usage of electronic transactions within government services. GReAT offers an innovative solution that enhances accountability, transparency, and productivity in the government revenue system.
Productivity Gains, Outcomes, and Impact
Since its implementation, the Municipal Government of Cavinti’s GReAT has had measurable productivity gains and outcomes. One of the primary outcomes is increased efficiency in the management of financial transactions, resulting in faster processing times and reduced delays.
GReAT has also significantly reduced paperwork, allowing local government employees to accomplish more tasks. The system has helped streamline revenue generation, payment processing, and other transactions, enabling the LGU to collect revenues in a more timely and organized manner. The interconnectivity of the various modules in GReAT has also facilitated seamless data retrieval and storage, contributing to improved decision-making processes.
The implementation of GReAT has led to a reduction in red tape and has improved the ease of doing business in Cavinti. This has resulted in a more business-friendly environment, leading to increased business registrations, permits, and licenses. This has also led to improved accountability and transparency in the local government’s financial transactions. The system’s real-time monitoring and reporting capabilities have enabled the LGU to detect and prevent fraudulent activities.
Lessons Learned and Challenges in Implementing the Intervention
One of the lessons learned from the implementation of GReAT is the importance of proper training and capacity building for the local government employees who will be using the system. The system’s success largely depends on the employees’ understanding and effective use of its features. Hence, investing in training and capacity-building programs will ensure the successful implementation and utilization of the system.
Another lesson learned is the need for continuous monitoring and evaluation of the system to ensure its effectiveness and identify areas for improvement. Regular feedback from the system’s users can provide insights on its strengths and weaknesses and suggest modifications that can enhance its functionality and efficiency.
One potential area for improvement of GReAT is the integration of additional modules that can further improve the efficiency of local government operations. For example, modules for healthcare services and disaster risk reduction management can be added to the system to better serve the needs of the constituents.
Lastly, the sustainability of the system should also be taken into consideration. The LGU must allocate sufficient resources for the maintenance and upgrading of the system to ensure its long-term use and effectiveness. Furthermore, the system should be open to future upgrades and innovations to keep up with technological advancements and changing user needs.
Resources
Best eGovernance Systems Shine at digitalcitiesPH Awards. (2018, October 17). GOVPH. https://dict.gov.ph/best-egovernance-systems-shine-at-digitalcitiesph-awards/
DICT, DILG, NICP award LGUs’ outstanding digital initiatives. (2019, November 28). GOVPH. https://dict.gov.ph/dict-dilg-nicp-award-lgus-outstanding-digital-initiatives/
LGU Cavinti. (2019, September 18). Cavinti GReAT System 3.0 [Video]. Youtube. https://youtu.be/l4NrZ0UmeAs
Official Gazette. (n.d.). Republic Act No. 9485. GOVPH. https://www.officialgazette.gov.ph/2007/06/02/republic-act-no-9485/
Republic Act No. 8792, 26 June 2000, Chan Robles Virtual Law Library. (n.d.). Retrieved February 24, 2022, from https://www.chanrobles.com/republicacts/republicactno8792.html#.YdQbr-gzaUk
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