To facilitate effective and efficient data capture for disaster events, the DSWD Field Office CAR launched the Disaster Response Operations Management Information and Communication (DROMIC) Information System (IS) version 2 on 23 May 2024.
Assistant Regional Director for Operations Enrique H. Gascon Jr. recollected that there was no established IS before to cater to the bulk of information needed to support disaster operations. “We have been using MS Excel, which we call ‘banig’ yet not all staff are expert users of the application. DROMIC version 1 was drawn from the Banig system which we started to use in 2018,” he added.
Learning from previous experiences in managing data and information in terms of disaster response, the Disaster Response Information Management Section (DRIMS) collaborated with the Information and Communications Technology Section (ICTS) for the upgrade of the DROMIC version 1 to be more functional and adaptive to the current needs and challenges in information management.
ARDO Gascon continued that there is no perfect system and highlighted that change is essential. The first version was developed in 2018 and was improved to make it more functional to foster prompt delivery of DSWD services more effectively and efficiently.
DROMIC version 2 features streamlined reporting tools from the province to the Field, automated forms, user-friendly template reports/documents, a multi-functioning system, integrated policies, and an up-to-date programming language.
DRIMS Head Alma Joy Emiliano explained that the new version will help reduce the latency of data submission from the ground and assist disaster key decision-makers with the readily available data analytics.
Regional Director Maria A. Catbagan-Aplaten, PhD applauded the development team for their accomplishment and the end-users of the system for contributing to the improvement of the information management tool.
“This innovation is another trendsetter for the Field Office CAR. This system represents a significant leap forward in our collective capacity to manage and respond to disasters across our region, ensuring that our efforts are more coordinated, efficient, and impactful,” RD Aplaten commented.
After the ceremonial launch, an orientation and experimental simulation for the end-users composed of the DSWD staff from different divisions and SWAD offices was conducted. As experienced, the end-users generally appreciated the new system for it optimizes resource allocation and for the consolidated information needs for the reporting.
Moreover, the development team is currently working on an offline version of the DROMIC 2.0 for functionality in areas with no internet signals and its harmonization with the other systems of the Central Office.
“Together, let us harness the power of DROMIC 2 to protect and serve our communities with greater efficiency and compassion. Let’s move forward together, stronger, and more prepared than ever before,” RD Aplatend ended. # DSWD FIELD OFFICE CAR, SOCIAL MARKETING UNIT, IO II MYLYN M. BONGSIAN
