assessment of records management in the university of the philippines

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A SAMPLE ASSESSMENT OF RECORDS MANAGEMENT PRACTICES IN THE UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES TOWARD A DEVELOPMENT OF A SELF-AUDIT TOOL RECHELLE OLAGUER COMIA SUBMITTED TO THE SCHOOL OF LIBRARY AND INFORMATION STUDIES UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES DILIMAN UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES SYSTEM IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE DEGREE OF MASTER OF LIBRARY AND INFORMATION SCENCE JULY 2015

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A SAMPLE ASSESSMENT OFRECORDS MANAGEMENT PRACTICES IN THE UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES TOWARD A DEVELOPMENT OF A SELF AUDIT TOOL

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Page 1: Assessment of Records Management in the University of the Philippines

A SAMPLE ASSESSMENT OF

RECORDS MANAGEMENT PRACTICES IN THE

UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES

TOWARD A DEVELOPMENT OF A SELF-AUDIT TOOL

RECHELLE OLAGUER COMIA

SUBMITTED TO THE

SCHOOL OF LIBRARY AND INFORMATION STUDIES

UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES DILIMAN

UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES SYSTEM

IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS

FOR THE DEGREE OF

MASTER OF LIBRARY AND INFORMATION SCENCE

JULY 2015

Page 2: Assessment of Records Management in the University of the Philippines

This special problem entitled, “A Sample Assessment of Records

Management Practices in the University of the Philippines Toward a Development of

a Self-Audit Tool”, prepared and submitted by Ms. Rechelle O. Comia in partial

fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Library and Information

Science, is hereby accepted.

BENEDICT SALAZAR OLGADO

Adviser

Accepted as partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master

of Library and Information Science.

KATHLEEN LOURDES B. OBILLE

Dean

Page 3: Assessment of Records Management in the University of the Philippines

UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES SYSTEM

SCHOOL OF LIBRARY AND INFORMATION STUDIES

UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES DILIMAN

3/F GONZALEZ HALL 1101 QUEZON CITY, PHILIPPINES

Telephone: (632) 981-8500 loc. 2870, 2871

Telefax: (632) 981-8500 loc. 2869

E-mail: [email protected]

28 July 2015

Prof. Kathleen Lourdes B. Obille

Dean

School of Library and Information Studies

U.P. Diliman, Quezon City

Dear Prof. Obille:

After having read the special problem of Ms. Rechelle O. Comia entitled,

“A Sample Assessment of Records Management Practices in the University of the

Philippines Toward a Development of a Self-Audit Tool”, and after having made

the necessary suggestions for improvement which were incorporated in the final

draft, I recommend that this special problem be accepted in partial fulfillment of

the requirements for the degree of Master of Library and Information Science.

Sincerely yours,

EIMEE RHEA C. LAGRAMA

Reader

Page 4: Assessment of Records Management in the University of the Philippines

UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES SYSTEM

SCHOOL OF LIBRARY AND INFORMATION STUDIES

UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES DILIMAN

3/F GONZALEZ HALL 1101 QUEZON CITY, PHILIPPINES

Telephone: (632) 981-8500 loc. 2870, 2871

Telefax: (632) 981-8500 loc. 2869

E-mail: [email protected]

THESIS/SPECIAL PROBLEM OPEN ACCESS PERMISSION

I, Rechelle O. Comia, author of the special problem entitled “A Sample Assessment of Records

Management Practices in the University of the Philippines Toward a Development of a Self-Audit Tool”,

submitted to the UP School of Library and Information Studies as partial requirement for the degree of

MASTER OF LIBRARY AND INFORMATION SCIENCE, do hereby grant to the UP SLIS a “non-

exclusive worldwide, royalty-free license to reproduce, publish and publicly distribute copies of said

special problem in whatever form subject to the provisions of applicable laws, the provisions of the

Intellectual Property Rights Policy of the University of the Philippines and any contractual obligations”

(Art.7, Revised UP IPR Policy, June 3, 2011). Specifically, the following rights are hereby granted to the

UP SLIS:

1. to upload a copy of this work in the UP SLIS theses database and in any other of its

databases available on the public internet;

2. to publish the work in the UP SLIS Journal of Philippine Librarianship or any of its

subsequent journal publications, both in print format and online; and

3. to give open access to above-mentioned work, thus allowing “fair use” as defined in the

Intellectual Property Code of the Philippines, provided, that, I be properly acknowledged and

cited as the author of the work.

__________________ RECHELLE O. COMIA

LIMITED ACCESS AUTHORIZATION

(For Potentially Patentable Thesis/Dissertation)

TITLE: A Sample Assessment of Records Management Practices in the

University of the Philippines Toward a Development of a Self-Audit Tool

AUTHOR: Rechelle O. Comia

ADVISER: Prof. Benedict Salazar Olgado

READER: Ms. Eimee Rhea C. Lagrama

DATE SUBMITTED: 28 July 2015

DEGREE: MASTER OF LIBRARY AND INFORMATION SCIENCE

Permission is given for the following people to have access to this thesis:

Available to the general public Yes

Available only after consultation with author/thesis adviser No

Available only to those bound by confidentiality agreement No Rechelle O. Comia Benedict Salazar Olgado Kathleen Lourdes B. Obille

Student Adviser Dean

Page 5: Assessment of Records Management in the University of the Philippines

v

BIOGRAPHICAL DATA

Name : Rechelle Olaguer Comia

Date of Birth : 30 April 1986

Place of Birth : Caloocan City

Educational Attainment : Master of Library and Information Science

School of Library and Information Studies

University of the Philippines Diliman

July 2015

: Bachelor of Arts in Araling Pilipino, cum laude

Concentration: Philippine Literature and

Psychology

College of Arts and Letters

University of the Philippines Diliman

October 2007

Professional Eligibilities : Certificate of Eligibility # 10130354

Pursuant to PD # 907

Civil Service Commission

2 November 2007

Present Position : Executive Assistant I

Office of the President

University of the Philippines System

Diliman, Quezon City

October 2010 – present

Organizational Affiliation : UP Alumni Association (UPAA)

2015-2016

Member

Page 6: Assessment of Records Management in the University of the Philippines

vi

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

This study would not be possible without the kind help and support of my

family, friends, mentors, and colleagues.

I am deeply thankful to my adviser, Prof. Benedict Salazar Olgado, for his

support, advices, valuable comments and expert guidance throughout the course of

my study. Without his guidance, this endeavor would not be completed on time. I

am also sincerely grateful to Ms. Eimee Rhea C. Lagrama for sharing her precious

time in providing critical comments and suggestions to further improve my study.

To my friends and colleagues in the University of the Philippines who also

call for better UP services through the efficient management of records, thank you

for sharing your valuable insights and experiences. My heartfelt thank you goes to

Ate Anna, Ate Nor, Ate Dulce, Ate Loise, Ate Jo-An, Ate Agnes, Ate Remy, Ate

Grace, Ate Lorna, and of course to my OP family, especially to Ma’am Chit and

Ma’am Nette. Thank you for your patience and assistance. I am also thankful to

Shayne, Chad, and Donna for fruitful discussions and brainstorming sessions.

I am sincerely grateful to President Alfredo E. Pascual and his team for their

support and confidence in me. Their approval of my request to conduct the study in

their respective offices facilitated the completion of this study.

I am also acknowledging with profound gratitude, the full support and love of

my family – my parents, Rolando and Cecille; my siblings, Ronnel, John Rhey,

Precious May, Monica Shayne and Eloisa Marie; and of course my husband and son,

Page 7: Assessment of Records Management in the University of the Philippines

vii

Michael and Yves. You are my inspiration to keep going. I love you all from the

bottom of my heart.

Lastly, I am giving all the honor and praises to our Lord for all His blessings

and guidance for me to accomplish my goals in life.

Thank you all for being part of this endeavor.

Page 8: Assessment of Records Management in the University of the Philippines

viii

DEDICATION

To my loving husband, Michael,

whose love and support provided me the strength to achieve my dreams;

to my dearest son, Yves,

for being my ultimate source of inspiration;

and

to Nanay and Tatay,

for sacrificing everything to provide the best education for their children.

Page 9: Assessment of Records Management in the University of the Philippines

ix

ABSTRACT

For more than a hundred years as the leading university in the Philippines,

the University of the Philippines (UP) has long struggled in managing its records. A

number of studies on records management in the University confirm and illustrate

this. The results of the assessment and self-audit conducted in this study, through the

best practices of ISO 15489 and RA 9470, also suggest that same observation.

The self-audit tool measured that UP’s compliance with ISO 15489 and RA

9470 is only at the low rate of 13%. Though the University achieved 24% for partial

compliance on some of the provisions, the sum is still less than 50%. The very high

rate of non-compliance (63%) should be a wakeup call to every stakeholder of the

University that the conduct of a comprehensive study and formulation of immediate

and long-term solutions about the current status of records management in

the University are ardently needed.

Moreover, the assessment highlights that UP: (1) has no official central

records office; (2) has no established/in place records management program and

common tools; (3) has no proper documentation of the established practices; (4) is

unfamiliar with the provisions ISO 15489 and RA 9470; (5) has no systematic

staffing pattern, with few qualified records officers who are not evenly distributed

throughout its units, and constantly changing records personnel; (6) has no proper

training program for its records personnel; (7) is struggling from a number of records

issues, particularly the inadequate records storage; (8) failed to address the problems

cited in earlier studies and neglected the recommendations stated therein; and, (9)

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x

has started to manage electronic records despite the current problematic management

of paper records.

Given these, the University should then exert efforts on managing its records

effectively as the problems associated with inefficient records handling deter smooth

business transactions within the University and put the vital records of the University

in peril.

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xi

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Chapter Page

I. INTRODUCTION ………………………………………………..…..….. 1

Background of the Study ………………………………………..…... 1

Statement of the Problem ………………………………………..…... 12

Objectives of the Study …………………………………………........ 13

Significance of the Study …………………………………………..... 14

Scope and Limitations of the Study ………………………..……...… 15

II. REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE …………………………….. 17

On Records Management in UP …………...………………..…….…. 17

On Records Management Practices in Government Units and

Other Universities (Local/International) ….……………………….… 23

On the Assessment and Implementation of ISO 15489 …….....….…. 27

On Records Management Audit ………………………………….….. 30

Conceptual Framework of the Study ……...……………………..…... 30

Definition of Terms ……………………………………………….…. 33

III. METHODOLOGY………………………………………….………...... 39

Research Design .………………………………………………….…. 39

Population and Sample………………………………………….……. 40

Research Instruments ………………………………………….……... 41

Data Collection …………………………………………………..…... 43

Analysis of Data ……………………………………………….……... 43

IV. PRESENTATION, ANALYSIS AND

INTERPRETATION OF DATA ………………………...……………. 45

Profile of UP Respondents ………………………………………..….. 45

Overview on the Subject Units and its Records Management …….…. 51

The Records of the Subject Units ..…………………….……............... 59

Records Management Practices in UP …………………….…….….... 62

Management of Archival Records in UP …………………………….. 102

UP’s Compliance with the General Provisions of

ISO 15489 and RA 9470 ………………………...……..……….……. 103

Common Records Problems in UP………………………………....…. 106

Support Towards a Standard UP Records Management Program ……. 112

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xii

V. SUMMARY, CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS…........ 116

Summary ……………………………………………………..………. 116

Conclusions ……………………………………………………..……. 123

Recommendations ……………………………………………..……... 125

REFERENCES ………………………………………….…………………... 129

APPENDICES

I-A – Results of Self-Audit Tool ……………………………..……. 134

I-B – Proposed Self-Audit Tool ……………………………....……. 196

II – Fact File on UP Units .…………………………………...…... 199

III-A – List of documents requested from the Main Respondents …... 220

III-B – Questionnaire for Main Respondents….………………..……. 221

III-C – Questionnaire for Heads of Units ……………………..……... 229

III-D – Questionnaire for Selected Records Clients …………..……... 230

IV – Covering Letters …………………………………………....... 231

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xiii

LIST OF TABLES

Table Page

1. Distribution of Respondents by Group …………………….…….…… 46

2. Distribution of Main Respondents by Unit ……………………….….. 47

3. Distribution of Main Respondents by Position Title …………………. 48

4. List of Educational Attainment of Main Respondents ……………….. 49

5. Distribution of Main Respondents by Years of Service in UP ……….. 50

6. Distribution of Main Respondents by

Years of Service as Records Officer/Personnel ………………………. 50

7. Types of Records Managed by UP ………………………………........ 60

8. Formats of Records Managed by UP (in percent) ……………………. 61

9. Records Creation Control in UP ……………………………………… 64

10. Records Registration Systems in UP …………………………………. 67

11. Elements Captured by UP During Records Registration ……………… 71

12. Classification of UP Records …………………………………………. 73

13. Records Storage Facilities in UP ……………………………………… 77

14. Status of UP Records Storage …………………………………………. 78

15. Finding Aids used by UP Units ……………………………….………. 83

16. Accommodation of Records Request in UP ………………………….. 85

17. Tracking System for Active and/or on Loan UP Records ……....…….. 86

18. Purposes of ecords Retention and Disposition Schedule in UP ………. 89

19. Records Management Tools Used by UP ………...…..………………. 93

20. Electronic Records Management in UP ……………………….……… 99

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xiv

21. Perceived Records Issues of Heads of Units …………….…..……….. 107

22. Common Difficulties Experienced in Storage

and Retrieval of Records in UP .……………………………………… 109

23. Perceived Causes of Records Problems in UP ……………………….. 110

24. Perceived Status of Records Management in UP …………………….. 111

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xv

LIST OF FIGURES

Figure Page

1. UP organizational chart ………………………………………………. 8

2. The eUP core systems …………………………………….………..… 9

3. Venn diagram of ISO 15489 and RA 9470 ……………….………….. 31

4. Schematic diagram on the assessment of

UP’s records management practices …………………………………. 32

5. Samples of uniform titles/codes for creation of UP records………….. 65

6. UP Document Tracking System (UP DTS) and UPLB’s DTS ………. 69

7. UP Manila’s Document Assessment and Tracking System …………. 70

8. Electronic document management system (Laserfiche)

used by OP and OSU ………………………………….……………... 71

9. UPLB-RMO’s indexing and cross-referencing system ……………… 74

10. UP’s records storage facilities and areas ……………………….……. 79

11. Securing access to UP records ………………………..………….…... 82

12. Forms used by UPLB-RMO for on loan records …………..………… 85

13. OSU records for transfer to the University Archives and

Records Depository (UARD) …………………………..…..………… 90

14. UPLB-RMO’s records transfer procedure …………………..……….. 91

15. Electronic records management in UPLB-RMO ……………..……… 100

16. The eOSU Project ……………………………………………………. 102

Page 16: Assessment of Records Management in the University of the Philippines

CHAPTER I

INTRODUCTION

Background of the Study

Records serve as the memories, the raw materials for decision-making, and

the basis of legal defensibility of an institution (Külcü, 2009) thus they are

considered one of its indispensable resources. Likewise, for a century old academic

institution like the University of the Philippines (UP), records play a vital role in its

existence. As such, the assessment of how the University handles its records through

the years is a key area of research. This is the main purpose of this endeavor: to give

the stakeholders of the University a glimpse on how it manages records in line with

prescribed standards and legal mandates such as the ISO 15489 and RA 9470.

Records and its Management

According to ISO 15489, “records are information created, received, and

maintained as evidence and information by an organization or person, in pursuance

of legal obligations or in the transaction of business” (2001, p. 3). The Australia

State Records Act 1998 elaborated that a record “is any document or other source of

information compiled, recorded or stored in written form or on film, or by electronic

process, or in any other manner or by any other means” (Sec. 3[1]).

From the early form of records to its current technology-aided form, a

number of efforts dealing with its complexities have been documented in various

literatures. One major effort is the standardization of records management was

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launched in 2001. The development of ISO 15489-1:2001 (Information and

Documentation – Records Management) highlighted the increasing international

recognition for records management. In the Philippines, an effort to promote an

effective recordkeeping, the National Archives of the Philippines Act of 2007

(Republic Act No. 9470), was passed into law in 2007. It “strengthens the system of

management and administration of archival records” (National Archives of the

Philippines [NAP], 2007, p. 1). These two regulations are considered the key tools

in assessing the records management practices in the country.

The mere presence of records means the need to have a records management

practice. Records management is the:

field of management responsible for the efficient and systematic

control of the creation, receipt, maintenance, use and disposition of

records, including processes for capturing and maintaining evidence

of and information about business activities and transactions in the

form of records. (ISO 15489-1:2001, p. 3)

Additionally, the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) in

the United States describes it as the “planning, controlling, directing, organizing,

training, promoting, and other managerial activities involved with respect to records

creation, records maintenance and use, and records disposition in order to achieve

adequate and proper documentation of the policies and transactions” (National

Archives and Records Administration [NARA], 44 U.S.C. Chapter 29, § 2901.

Definitions). It includes:

setting policies and standards; assigning responsibilities and

authorities; establishing and promulgating procedures and

guidelines; providing a range of services relating to the management

and use of records; designing, implementing and administering

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3

specialized systems for managing records; and, integrating records

management into business systems and processes. (ISO 15489-

1:2001, p. 4)

Just like other institutions, higher education institutions like UP are also

confronted with the complexities of managing its records. A way to cope with these

complexities is through an effective implementation of a sound records management

program.

Standardization of Records Management Practices

In this information age, the effort to standardize international best practices in

records management is an exigency. The ISO 15489 was the product of a collective

international effort to develop an international standard out of the Australian

Standard 4390 or AS 4390 (1996), an Australian standard for records management.

It was developed “in response to consensus among participating ISO member

countries to standardize international best practice in records management” (ISO-

15489:1-2001, Introduction).

The AS 4390 was able to capture international attention because it is already

technically sound and gives good foundation for a records management program

(Carlisle, 1997). After almost four years of developing an international standard out

of the AS 4390, the ISO 15489 was finally issued in September 2001 (Cumming,

2003). It came out in two parts. Part 1: General, contains “guidance on managing

records of originating organizations, public or private, for internal and external

clients” (ISO 15489:1-2001, Clause 1) and “elements of records management and

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defines the necessary results or outcomes to be achieved” (ISO 15489-2:2001,

Introduction). While, Part 2: Guidelines:

…is an implementation guide to ISO 15489-1 for use by record

management professionals and those charged with managing records

in their organizations. It provides one methodology that will

facilitate the implementation of ISO 15489-1 in all organizations that

have a need to manage their records. It gives an overview of the

processes and factors to consider in organizations wishing to comply

with ISO 15489-1. (ISO 15489-2:2001, Clause 1)

In the Philippines, the RA 9470 otherwise known as the National Archives of

the Philippines Act of 2007 was issued to “empower better coordination in the

management of government records and public archives” (Official Gazette, 2009, p.

1715). The law also reorganized the National Archives of the Philippines (from the

abolished Records Management and Archives Office [RMAO]) which is the agency

in-charge of the implementation of objectives and provisions of the RA 9470. The

law is interpreted according to the Article I, Section 2 of RA 9470:

It is the policy of the State to protect, conserve, promote and

popularize the nation’s historical and cultural heritage and resources.

The State shall pursue, conserve and promote the Filipino cultural

heritage and resources including the documentary records of Filipino

culture, history and governance.

The State shall give utmost priority for the safeguard, protection and

preservation of its public documents and records, not only as

fundamental instruments for efficient and effective governance but

also as essential tools for the preservation of the country’s history

and cultural memory.

Towards this end, all public records with enduring value, held by

government offices, including, but not limited to, all branches of

government, constitutional offices, local government units (LGUs),

government-owned and –controlled corporations (GOCCs), state

Page 20: Assessment of Records Management in the University of the Philippines

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universities and colleges, Philippine embassies, consulates and other

Philippine offices abroad shall be transferred to a permanent

government repository for proper management, control and

regulation of record disposition. (RA 9470, Article I, Section 2)

The purposes of the act are to:

- strengthen the existing system of management of public records

and administration of government archives;

- mandate government accountability to ensure that full and

accurate records of the affairs of the national and local

government units are maintained and preserved;

- enhance public confidence in the integrity of public

recordkeeping and management;

- ensure accessibility of public records relevant to the promotion

and preservation of Philippine cultural heritage; and,

- support the safekeeping of private records with archival value.

(NAP, 2007, p. 1)

The provisions of ISO 15489 and RA 9470 were the foundation of this study

in assessing the records management in the University. The use of ISO 15489

necessitated the inclusion of the RA 9470 as it prescribes the recognition of the

regulatory environment.

The University of the Philippines and an Overview of its Records Management

Practices

UP was founded on 18 June 1908 through Act No. 1870 of the Philippine

Assembly. It was mandated to “give advanced instruction in literature, philosophy,

the sciences and arts, and to give professional and technical training to every

qualified student regardless of age, sex, nationality, religious belief and political

affiliation” (University of the Philippines [UP], 2015, University History). It

celebrated its 100 years of existence in 2008. During UP’s centennial year it was

gifted with a new charter (Republic Act No. [RA] 9500) instituting UP as the only

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6

national university in the country. The RA 9500 (2008, Sec. 3) mandated UP to

serve and lead as a teaching university, as a graduate university, as a research

university, as a public university, and as a regional and global university.

Being a global university, complying with international standards should be a

University concern. One important international standard for consideration is the

ISO 15489. Compliance with such standard ensures the University’s smooth

business process and to safeguard its valuable records for its continuing existence.

UP’s adherence to the RA 9470 must also be strictly monitored. Being a

government unit, the records of UP are considered public records. According to RA

9470, public records refer to:

records or classes of records, in any form, in whole or in part,

created or received, whether before or after the effectivity of this

Act, by a government agency in the conduct of its affairs, and have

been retained by that government agency or its successors as

evidence or because of the information contain therein. (RA 9470,

2007, p. 5)

Ignorance about and non-compliance with RA 9470 may jeopardize the

integrity of the University and its records personnel as it involves punishment under

the law.

The current records management practices of UP differ from one office to

another. These may be attributed to the structure of the University being a system of

seven (7) constituent universities and an autonomous campus located strategically

throughout the country. The UP campuses are UP Diliman, UP Los Baños, UP

Manila, UP Visayas, UP Open University, UP Mindanao, UP Baguio, and UP Cebu.

This system of campuses equips the University to better perform its mandate of

Page 22: Assessment of Records Management in the University of the Philippines

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serving the nation. The constituent universities are governed by chancellors, while

the UP President manages this system of campuses (UP, 2015, Administration). The

University President is the “chief academic officer, head of the university faculty and

the chief executive officer of the University” (RA 9500, 2008, Sec. 14). The

management of the constituent university “is vested in the Chancellor insofar as

authorized by the Board and the President of the University” (RA 9500, 2008, Sec.

18).

Having a system of campuses does not exempt the University from

implementing a standard in records management throughout its campuses, as

supported by the OneUP principle. OneUP is a strategic initiative under the

administration of President Alfredo E. Pascual. It promotes change in the mindset

of the constituents of the University that they are one despite the differences in

location and specialization (Pascual, 2011). This principle intensifies the need for a

standard records management in the University. The study aims to highlight some of

the similarities on the records management practices throughout the University.

Aside from OneUP, another strategic initiative of the Pascual administration,

which may concern records management, is the eUP Project. This is the flagship

project of the Pascual administration. It seeks to integrate, harmonize, and

interoperate Information and Communication Technology (ICT) systems and

infrastructure across the UP System. This project is envisioned to bring the

University to new levels of academic and operational excellence, thus allowing UP

to be of greater service to the nation (eUP, 2012, About eUP).

Page 23: Assessment of Records Management in the University of the Philippines

8

Fig

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.

Page 24: Assessment of Records Management in the University of the Philippines

9

Figure 2. The eUP core systems.

Reprinted from eUP Project by the University of the

Philippines System, 2015. Retrieved from

http://e.up.edu.ph/components/. Reprinted with permission.

As seen in Figure 2, no comprehensive records management system was

included in the core systems of the eUP Project. Only student academic, human

resource, financial management, procurement, campus management, and executive

information systems were the systems included in the project. It may not be too late

for the administration to consider a comprehensive component in managing the

records of the University. The study also aims to inform all the stakeholders of the

Page 25: Assessment of Records Management in the University of the Philippines

10

University about the importance of a harmonized records management in the smooth

business process of the University.

At the onset of the study, the researcher was able to unfold some of the

records management issues in the University. These were based on the initial

interview conducted by the researcher during the development of a research topic.

All these issues are further discussed in Chapter IV.

Absence of a standard records management program. The state of the

records management of institutions may be viewed equivalent to the type of service

it offers. In UP, the absence of a standard records management program incites

various offices to use their own style of recordkeeping. Records managers usually

resort to developing their own master file, or by making their own records

description and file classification guide. These efforts are not documented

University-wide, hence the existence of different practices on handling of records in

UP.

Ignorance on the benefits of effective records management program. Another

daunting issue of records management in UP is the mere lack of knowledge on the

importance of an effective records management program. Records managers are not

aware of the many benefits of effective records management, resulting to passive

record management practices. They perform the task without commitment to

develop their skills and the program.

Hostile records managers. This ignorance oftentimes leads to hostile

relationship between records managers and their clienteles. They associate

Page 26: Assessment of Records Management in the University of the Philippines

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additional records management related tasks, specifically the records management

improvement strategies, as burden. They are not motivated to enhance their skills.

Confused records managers. The absence of a standard records management

program produces confusion over records managers throughout the University. This

leads to mishandling of records. Most of the time, records with enduring value are

discarded and those short-lived records are the ones kept. The University also has a

variety of ways in organizing the records. Subjects and indexes lists depend solely

on the judgment of records managers. This produces long and duplicating lists of

subjects and indexes in the University. This confusion results to unworkable

reconciliation of the records throughout the University. Authority and accountability

over certain records are oftentimes ignored because records managers do not know

which office possesses the authority and responsibility to retain particular records.

Poor storage and retrieval practice. Aside from the failure to efficiently and

effectively organize records, the University also shows poor skills on records

retrieval and inadequate records storage facilities. The absence of standard practices

across the University makes it difficult to retrieve the right record at the soonest

possible time. Records retrieval becomes an arduous task for records personnel.

While inadequate records storage results to the University’s poor handling of

records. Records personnel are confined to manage such voluminous records in

small storage areas.

Weak motivation to move forward. Activities promoting records management

and enhancing the skills of records managers are not part of the priority programs of

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12

the University. Submission to an in-house records management policy, may it be

written/non-written, is not monitored. Strict compliance to such policy is not

observed. Because of these, records managers are not inclined to submit to any

policy or guidelines and are discouraged to cope up with the fast development phase

of records.

Statement of the Problem

The study sought to assess the records management practices in UP. This

also included the measurement of UP’s level of compliance with the relevant

provisions of the ISO 15489 and the RA 9470 done through a self-audit tool

(Appendix I-A).

Moreover, the following questions were addressed by this study:

a) What are the existing records management practices in UP? Is there a

prescribed program or system used by the units?

b) What are the specific provisions of the ISO 15489 and RA 9470 that UP

are able/not able to comply with? What are the possible reasons for non-

compliance?

c) What are the tools used by UP units in dealing and assessing their

records/records management practices?

d) What are the issues confronted by the University in handling its records?

What are the possible solutions to address these issues?

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13

e) Is there any effort to develop and standardize the current records

management practices? How ready is the University to standardize its

records management practices? What are the possible hurdles in

implementing said standardization? What are the views of the

administrators, records managers/personnel and records clienteles in the

standardization of records management in UP?

Objectives of the Study

The following are the objectives of this study:

1. Enumerate the records management practices of the University and

identify the program and system used in managing its records.

2. Assess the current records management practices in UP using ISO 15489

and RA 9450 as tools. This covers most of the provisions of the two

regulations which are relevant to the University. The study also uncovers

the reasons for compliance and/or non-compliance of the campuses with

the regulations.

3. List the established tools of UP units in managing its records.

4. Enumerate and discuss the issues faced by the University in managing its

records.

5. Enumerate the efforts of UP to develop and standardize its records

management practices.

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14

6. Analyze the perceptions and readiness of the University stakeholders in

standardizing its records management practices.

7. Propose a self-audit tool for use of the University.

Significance of the Study

This study is an addition to the growing number of researches on records

management in the Philippines. Specifically, it contributes in the assessment of ISO

15489 for implementation in the Philippine setting. The promotion of compliance

with RA 9470, as mandated by the law, is also highlighted in this study.

The self-audit tool, which is the output of this study, benefits Philippine-

based institutions in performing audit and assessment of records management

program through international and national standards. The self-audit tool may also

be a good starting point for a more comprehensive audit tool for institutions in the

country with advance program on records management as the researcher was not

able to find a tool for Philippine-based institutions during the conduct of this

research.

More importantly, this study is most significant to UP. There are existing

researches on the records management in UP but focusing on certain units or

campuses only. This study attempts to do a holistic analysis of the records

management practices in the University by involving top-level UP offices. The

records personnel of the University who were tapped to participate in the study were

given a chance to reflect on their recordkeeping practices through the conducted

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15

interview and survey. It also increases awareness and interest on the records

management in UP which may commence efforts to improve and standardize the

practice. The study is also deemed necessary to address the issues confronted by the

University in managing its records.

Also, the study may be an eye-opener for every stakeholder of the University

about the importance of records management. The effective and efficient

management of records may start to be listed in UP’s priority program, like the

possible inclusion into eUP Project in the next years.

The efforts to analyze the records management practices of UP may lead to a

major effort on its standardization. The standardized program based on

internationally and nationally accepted standards can significantly help the

University to better serve the Filipino people.

Lastly, the study also serves as reference material to other researchers,

administrators and records managers/personnel, who are dealing with the assessment

and audit of records management practices, and the implementation of ISO 15489

and RA 9470 in their institution.

Scope and Limitations of the Study

The subjects of the study included all constituent universities of UP, namely

UP Diliman, UP Los Baños, UP Manila, UP Mindanao, UP Visayas, UP Open

University and UP Baguio; UP Cebu, the autonomous college, and; the UP System

Administration (UPSA), the central administration. Only the head offices (Offices of

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16

the Chancellors or Dean’s Office for UP Cebu) and the central/official records office,

if any, were included in the study. For the UPSA, the Office of the President (OP)

and the Office of the Secretary of the University and of the Board of Regents (OSU)

were included; OP being the highest decision making office in the University and

OSU as the manager of the major vital records of the University. These offices can

adequately represent the entire University for this particular study as these offices are

the heart of major business activities of the University.

As for the type of records to be analyzed, it is limited to what the subject

offices process. These records are mostly administrative in nature. These include

memoranda, administrative orders, executive orders, incoming and outgoing

communications, university policies materials, to name a few.

The researcher is aware that records management comes along with archives

management. This study primarily focuses on active, semi-active and non-active

records, hence records management was the main highlight of this study. But a brief

section on archives management was discussed in Chapter IV for a comprehensive

analysis of the life cycle of the records in the University.

Page 32: Assessment of Records Management in the University of the Philippines

CHAPTER II

REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

This chapter discusses the publications and literature on records management

in UP, standardization of records management, adoption and assessment of ISO

15489, and other relevant local and foreign studies to the study.

On Records Management in UP

The UP administration exerted efforts to study the records management in the

University. One of the earliest documented efforts was through Administrative

Order No. 199, Constitution of Records Management Committee of UP, issued on 10

June 1974 by UP President Salvador P. Lopez. This committee was expected to:

1. Formulate and define a program for the disposition of official

records, and review the progress of the program;

2. Develop, publish and recommend standards and procedures for

the disposition of official records;

3. Develop and publish procedures for the survey of files and

review results of such surveys;

4. Develop, publish and recommend standards of classifying,

indexing and filing records;

5. Assist units, branches, offices, departments of the University of

the Philippines System in the development and maintenance of

classification and filing systems;

6. Prepare disposal schedules for records common to several or all

units of the University of the Philippines System;

7. Develop and administer a training program for records personnel

of the U.P. System;

8. Plan and develop a program for the records center to house

documents and papers which are to be preserved for a period of

time (retirement of records) but which need not be retained in the

units, branches, or offices of the University of the Philippines

System; and

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18

9. Plan the transfer of all permanent records (archival material) to

the University Archives Section of the University Library. (UP

Gazette, 1974)

Another attempt was documented in 1977. It was initiated by President

Emmanuel V. Soriano through the help of his two Project Development Staff,

Placido M. Manalo, Jr. and Perfecto Padilla. The report was completed on 4

November 1977 entitled Program Concept and Approaches in Improving Records

Management in UP (Granda, p. 14).

It is unfortunate that the researcher was not able to obtain copies of said

reports. These would have been essential reference materials in analyzing the

records management practices in the University, particularly the implementation and

effectiveness of the proposed recommendations of these committees. However, the

researcher was able to obtain a copy of the report on records management of the

Management Review Committee – Subcommittee III on Personnel and

Administrative Services, dated 6 October 1981. It was a committee created by the

Office of the UP Vice President for Planning and Finance (OVPPF). The committee

studied the status of the management of records in the UPSA. During this time, the

records of the administration were centrally managed by the Office of General

Services (OGS). The findings of the committee were: (1) UP has voluminous

records; (2) UP has inefficient and diverse records creation practices; (3) UP

struggles from lack of space, equipment and manpower; (4) records disposition was

neglected by UP records personnel; and, (5) albeit the presence of OGS, UP units

still filed their own records in their offices, making former’s role unclear.

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19

Recommendations of the committee involved the establishment of a common records

creation procedure throughout the University to regulate the fast growing number of

records, forms management, inventory of University records, transfer of OGS’s

records holdings and functions to other offices to streamline the records processes in

the University, and to abolish OGS (Office of the UP Vice President for Planning

and Finance - Management Review Committee, 1981). OGS was abolished in 1983

(UP Gazette, 1983). This committee report manifested the records issues confronted

by the University as early as 1980s. These issues are also the same findings of this

study. This exhibits how UP has disregarded state of its records management over

the years.

In 1988, President Jose V. Abueva constituted another committee to draft

rules governing access to records and documents (UP Gazette, 1988). The report of

this committee is also inaccessible.

A few directives also cited the efforts of the University to standardize its

recordkeeping system. UP President Salvador P. Lopez issued Executive Order No.

11 in 1974 to designate the University Library as the Archives of the University.

This E.O. designated the University Librarian as ex-officio University Archivist.

This was further strengthened by Executive Order No. 13 making the University

Library as the University Archives and Records Depository to ensure the

preservation of documents, records, and publications of permanent value (UP

Gazette, 1974). In 1982, UP President Edgardo J. Angara through Memorandum No.

19 instructed all units of UP to furnish at least one copy of photographs generated by

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20

each unit as an addition to the Archives collections of the University Library (UP

Gazette, 1982). All these directives aim to preserve the archival records of the

University if only strict compliance is enforced.

The pilot run of the first UP document tracking system (DTS) was launched

in 1976 through a memorandum order issued by the UP President. This was

perceived as an “innovation on the present messengerial functions and duties of the

University” (UP Gazette, 1976). Loyola (2001) described it as a system which

featured the use of a 9-digit alphanumeric code for every identified document, the

utilization of routing slips, and a creation of a central document tracking center. A

computerized DTS was later developed in 1999 which was employed in the Office of

the Chancellor of UP Diliman (as cited in Sueno, 2009). In contemporary years,

particularly in 2003, a University’s in-house DTS named as DocuTrak was launched

in UP Diliman units. The system used barcode labels to track the documents routed

throughout the campus. This in-house system was again revisited and upgraded with

the emergence of eUP. The new UP DTS was launched in 2014 for use of all UP

units. It still uses the barcode label system but now supports documents attachments

and with additional fields such as revisions, updates and remarks; and now open for

use of the entire UP System (UP DTS Manual, 2014). Given the efforts to develop

the UP DTS over the years, UP should have been perfected the use of one standard

DTS within the University. The study proved this assumption otherwise.

The enumerated efforts of the University to standardize and improve its

records management serve as the researcher’s benchmark in assessing the current

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21

status of UP’s records management practices. It is evident that even in the 1970s, the

University has been facing a number of records issues.

Beyond UP’s effort, several researchers showed interest in assessing the

records management of the University. Granda (1981) made a survey to find out

existing practices, programs, conditions, and problems of records operation of UP,

being one of her eleven (11) subject colleges and universities in Quezon City and

Manila. Her findings include the following: (1) no definite unit to initiate the

Records and Archives Management Program, (2) dearth of regular records personnel,

(3) no definite policy or standard procedures, (4) lack of space and equipment for

records storage, (5) deficiency in mail operations, (6) absence of authority to

coordinate centralized and decentralized records management, (7) no uniform and

standard classification and filing scheme, (8) ineffective control files, (9) inadequate

plan and system of records transfer and disposal, and (10) poor records preservation.

Hortillo (1990), in her proposal, highlighted the need for a university archives

and records center for the University of the Philippines in the Visayas. She shared

almost the same observations as Granda’s, adding that records personnel have

adequate educational attainment but no formal training in records management prior

or during the course of their work. She also revealed that the campus was only 20%

ready to go electronic during the duration of her research.

In relation with computerized DTS, Loyola (2001) studied the readiness of

UP Diliman to have a common DTS for document-monitoring needs of all units of

said campus. She revealed that 79% of the administrators believed that a common

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22

DTS is highly needed in Diliman but they however expressed their doubts that the

project could be successfully implemented, as there were issues on resources and

competing needs.

Ching (2003) assessed the records retention and dispositions practices of the

UP Diliman Health Service-Records Section with employee and student records as

samples. She found out that the storage problem of the unit was due to its poor

records disposal and inventory procedures. The unit was also non-conforming with

the legal retention and disposition schedule for medical records.

Another unit of the University, the Office of Student Regent (UP OSR), was

assessed by Peoro (2007). The study focused on the functional aspects of

recordkeeping, (records creation, records maintenance and control, records

protection, storage and retrieval, and records disposition and retention). His research

stressed that the unit was facing an increasing rate of lost records due to the absence

of a clear and strict policy on records management. He also added problems relating

to limited space and inadequate equipment, and the difficulty in retrieving records.

The studies of Granda, Hortillo, Loyola, Ching and Peoro have common

findings on the current state of the records management in the different units of the

University. These studies gave the researcher a partial view of the records

management in UP. All the cited studies further highlighted the poor state of

records management in the different units of the University. The findings and issues

raised in these studies helped in the formulation of assessment and observations in

this study.

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23

In 2009, Sueno assessed the in-house developed document tracking system

called UP DocuTrak. She argued that the development of the system was not done

in the context of UP’s records management and it did not reflect UP’s values,

culture, business activities, accountabilities, records needs and records use. The

holistic approach was not observed during the development of the system. Because

of these, the result of her assessment revealed that DocuTrak’s quality is below the

acceptable standard. As mentioned earlier, the UP administration revisited this

system in 2014 and proposed a new DTS for use of the University. Future study on

UP DTS may focus on this newly developed system benchmarking on the study

conducted by Sueno.

On Records Management Practices of Government Units and Other

Universities (Local/International)

Universities and government units here and abroad were also assessed by a

number of studies on records management. These studies situated UP in terms of its

current records management status and confronted records issues as compared to

other similar universities and local government units.

In 1981, Nofuente conducted a survey on the records management practices

of international institutions in the Philippines. Her study revealed that a number of

records personnel were mainly concerned with the filing practices only. Other

records management functions were neglected. Records management was oftentimes

taken for granted by the staff and also by the top management of the institutions.

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Aquino (1984) had a similar research to Hortillo’s but for another state

university, the Mindanao State University (MSU). She did a survey on the records

management practices and archives administration in MSU. Her study was

accompanied with a plan for the creation of a university archives and records center.

Mallari (2000) studied the recordkeeping practices of academic and

administrative offices in New Era University. He concluded that recordkeeping of

the New Era University was defective, the records personnel were untrained, there

were inadequate records security measures, limited storage space, ignorance on the

importance of records inventory, and the absence of records retention and disposition

guidelines.

The Commission of Higher Education (CHED) was a subject institution of

Manahan (2009) in her research paper. She studied the records retention and

disposition practices of said agency. The agency has a central records office since

1994, but despite the presence of a centralized records office, CHED failed to do

records inventory. The task of the records office was limited to listing of all records

received and created by the agency. She also revealed that CHED had no records

retention and disposition schedule and had no clear guidelines and criteria of records

appraisal. This study shows that CHED, the commission in-charge all state

universities in the country, also finds it hard to submit its practices to the acceptable

best practices on records management.

Külcü (2009) examined the records systems of selected Turkish and

Canadian universities. He described the conditions, problems, similarities and

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25

differences of each of the system used by the University of British Colombia (UCB)

- Canada, Simon Fraser University (SFU) - Canada and Hacettepe University (HU) -

Turkey. The two Canadian universities had records management programs in place

while the HU has been trying to develop a records management program. Despite

the presence of records management programs in UCB and SFU, these universities

experience more problems in filing and classification than HU. These problems

stemmed from the fact that some of the Canadian university offices tend to redesign

their filing system and develop their own internal records management program.

While in HU, offices adopted a standard filing system used nationwide and governed

by a central agency and the National Archive of Turkey. Külcü revealed that the

three universities spend approximately three hours in a working day on records

procedures. Also, the universities experience records access problems at least twice

a month. The issues cited in the study of Külcü were the main records issues

provided in the questionnaires of this study. This also gave the researcher a

benchmark on the most effective way to capture the actual records issues in an

academic institution like UP.

The top 10 government corporations and financial institutions in Metro

Manila were the subjects of Golfo (2010) in her study. She stressed that among

government agencies, like UP, effective records management is a fundamental and

core activity of public sector management. Her study revealed 66% compliance rate

of the agencies to standard and best practices of records management. She

recommended the improvement of the policies of the agencies based on ideal

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26

practices and existing standards in archives and records management set by NAP and

ISO 15489.

Buenrostro (2010) studied the management and preservation practices of the

postwar or contemporary records of the provincial records division in Bulacan. She

discovered that none of the city offices (Malolos, Meycauayan and San Jose del

Monte) have centralized repositories for their semi-active and inactive records. The

records management practices in said offices were not standardized as well.

In 2012, Juanson explored the extent of compliance of 14 out of the 15

selected barangays in Quezon City with the RA 9470, IRR of the RA 9470, RA

7160, DECS Order No. 13-A and DECS Order No. 13-B. She concluded that none

of the barangays have existing archival system and most of the barangay policies on

archives and records management were not formally written. She also found out that

only 3 out of the 14 barangays have centralized receiving and releasing units, only 9

barangays have mini-archives, none dispose public and protected records, only 8

barangays have a records officer, and barangay officials are more aware of the laws

stated in local government code than RA 9470.

The Manuel S. Enverga University Foundation, a university with several

campuses, was studied by Macapia in 2014. She found out that the campuses have

no central storage room and records center resulting to filing of records per office.

She also highlighted that there was no budget allocation for records management

activities. She discovered the effort of some units to develop a standard for records

creation, and she then recommended a centralized records center for semi-active

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27

records that could also be a venue for archival appraisal. Also in 2014, Mampusti

studied the recordkeeping and archiving practices of another government unit, the

National Housing Authority (NHA). She attributed the personnel educational

background and skills to the quality of recordkeeping and archiving practice of the

NHA. She also highlighted the development of appropriate and practical

recordkeeping practices of the agency to carry out its daily business operations.

All of the cited researchers agreed that the strict implementation of a

standardized records management program ensures smooth business processes

within an institution. These studies show that a number of government and higher

education institutions in the Philippines and abroad also encounter a several records

issues which should not be neglected. These issues were considered in crafting the

questionnaires of this study.

On the Assessment and Implementation of ISO 15489

Institutions around the world are starting to utilize the international standard

in their records management practices. Stephens (2001) opined that “ISO 15489 is

the latest development in the global best practices movement that has been gathering

momentum during the past 15 years” (p. 68).

McLeod (2003) investigated the initial reactions to and plans for using the

ISO 15489 from within and beyond the records management community. The

investigation was conducted between January 2002 and March 2003. The results

showed a relatively high level of awareness of the standard and very positive

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28

reactions despite the imperfections of said standard. Her study revealed that many

plan to use the standard for policy/strategy development, to serve as basis for records

management procedures and to benchmark their current records management

practices. She added that many records professionals plan to utilize the standard to

raise the profile of their organization’s records management. This study shows how

acceptable the ISO 15489 to the many records professionals even at the onset of the

standard’s implementation.

In Jamaica (Alexander-Gooding & Black, 2005), a group of records

management professionals joined forces to determine how they can take advantage

of ISO 15489 in advancing records information management. Jamaica has had a

strong recordkeeping practice with no effort to develop a retention schedule. In this

study, they highlighted the strengths as well as the weakness of the standard. Some

of the identified weaknesses of the ISO 15489 were “(1) it is just a voluntary

standard; (2) it does not include the management of archival records; (3) it does not

adequately cover electronic records; and, (4) it does not address vital records and

contingency planning” (pp. 64-65). As of 2007, the technical committee had

presented the adopted the ISO 15489 to the Bureau of Standards in Jamaica, for

approval. These weaknesses suggest possible hurdles in the implementation of ISO

15489 in UP.

Xiaomi and Jiao (2004) introduced and assessed the China’s records

management practices against ISO 15489. The paper served as a case study

discussing how the ISO contributes to the identification of gaps between best

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29

practice, captured in the standard, and what is happening in reality in relation to

records management policies, programs, procedures and processes. The researchers

also provided recommendation for the improvement of records management in

China.

Oliver (2007) demonstrated that implementation strategies for ISO 15489

need to be tailored according to the needs of the organization to function flawlessly.

Oliver strongly suggested that for ISO to best serve the organization, implementers

must first understand the cultural characteristics of the organization, taking into

account their unique features as well as the broader cultural environment, including

societal legislative and standards frameworks. She also identified key factors to

consider in introducing a global standard and managing change associated with it:

(1) leadership of the implementation, (2) identification of benefits appropriate to the

values prevalent in the specific organizational environment, and (3) language and

communication issues.

These foreign studies guided the researcher in interpreting the ISO 15489 and

in analyzing the standard as the basis of the self-audit tool for this study.

Specifically, it greatly contributed on the appropriate approach in using ISO 15489

as an audit tool. The strengths and weaknesses of the ISO were considered for its

effective use as a self-audit tool. The researcher also provided these literature as

easy reference for future studies focusing on the implementation of ISO 15489.

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On Records Management Audit

Crockett and Foster (2004) wrote an article on how to utilize the ISO 15489

as an audit tool for the records management practices. It examined the standard as

basis for auditing a records management program and provided tips on the data

gathering and report writing for an audit program. In addition, the Hardiman (2014)

through the NHS Business Services Authority provided a framework to conduct an

audit program. It gave a model on how to do an audit and what measures to be

considered for good records management practices. Also in 2015, the Health &

Social Care Information Centre also published a guide for regular programs of audit

that both demonstrates, and provides assurance of compliance with good practice

standards of records management.

All these literature on the records management audit serve as the model in

crafting a self-audit tool for use in this study. More importantly, the proper wording,

format and method of the tool were heavily based on these studies. The researcher

needed to consult a number of foreign literatures on the conduct of records

management audit because of the absence of an audit tool for Philippine-based

institutions.

Conceptual Framework of the Study

As discussed earlier, ISO 15489 requires the recognition of other regulatory

environment affecting the institution. Thus RA 9470 was considered in this study.

As a first step, the researcher examined and identified similar provisions of the ISO

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31

15849 and the RA 9470 that are relevant in the assessment of the records

management practices in UP. Some of the major provisions are shown in the figure

below:

Figure 3. Venn diagram of ISO 15489 and RA 9470

To integrate the two regulations, similar provisions were identified to avoid

redundancy in the methodology. The unique provisions were analyzed for the

inclusion in the study. These were considered in the methodology of the study, as

well as in crafting and finalizing of the self-audit tool.

Some Provisions of ISO 15489

Identification of regulatory environment

Design and implementation of a

records systems

Best practices in records management

processes (records capture,

registration, classification, access and security classification,

identification of disposition status,

storage, use and tracking, implementation of disposition)

Monitoring and Auditing

Establishment of records

/archives management

program/policy

Appointing a records officer and

defining responsibilities and authorities

Training of records personnel

Use of records management tools

/ instruments

Documentation of records management processes/Agency

records management manual

Some Provisions of RA 9470

Establishment of a records and archives office/unit

Creation of a Records Management Improvement

Committee

Establishing an integrated records

creation program

Setting the standards and criteria

for maximum utilization of filing equipment and floor space

Establishment of a centralized receiving and releasing unit

Establishment of Agency Storage

/ Mini Archives

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32

Figure 4. Schematic diagram on the assessment of UP’s records

management practices

The methodology of the study is patterned according to the minimum

requirements of ISO 15489 and RA 9470. The conducted initial analysis of the ISO

15490 and RA 9470 helped in formulating the survey questionnaires and in crafting

the self-audit tool. The gathered data were assessed and then plotted to the self-audit

tool to determine the compliance rating of the University. Conclusions and

recommendations on the current records management practices in UP were provided

after the thorough assessment and discussion of the gathered results.

Assessment,

Conclusions, and

Recommendations

Self-Audit

Tool

(Pre-

crafted)

University of

the Philippines

(UP)

ISO 15489 and

RA 9470

Survey

Question-

naire and

Interviews

Proposed self-audit tool

for UP

Page 48: Assessment of Records Management in the University of the Philippines

33

As an output of the study, a self-audit tool for use of the University is

proposed. This tool, if used with strict and effective compliance, will surely help the

University in reviewing its records management practices and will ensure a common

standard throughout the UP units.

Definition of Terms

Administrative records - document that relates to housekeeping functions (such as

management of the facilities, finances, and personnel) and to agreements,

contracts, meetings, legal actions, etc. (Business Dictionary.com, 2015)

Access – refers to the granting of permission to: (1) use the reference service of an

archives institution; (2) examine and study individual archives and records or

collections held by archives; and (3) extract information from archives and

records for research or publication (Official Gazette, 2009, p. 1715)

Archives – refers to (1) public records, papers, periodicals, books or other items,

articles or materials, whether in the form of electronic, audio-visual, or print,

which by their nature and characteristics have enduring value, that have been

selected for permanent preservation; (2) the place (building/room/storage

area) where archival materials are kept and preserved; and (3) an organization

(or part of an organization) whose main function is to select, collect and

preserve archival records and make such records available for public use

(Official Gazette, 2009, p. 1715-1716)

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Audit – review or scrutiny of any system or process that make up a system. The

main purpose of an audit is to provide assurance that systems and processes

are effective, compliant and risk free. It also provides a mechanism for

regular scrutiny and improvement of systems. (Health & Social Care

Information Centre, 2015, Introduction)

Capture - is the process of determining that a record should be made and kept. This

includes both records created and received by the organization. It involves

deciding which documents are captured, which in turn implies decisions

about who may have access to those documents and generally how long they

are to be retained. (ISO 15489:2-2001, p. 14)

Classification – is the process of identifying the category or categories of business

activity and the records they generate and of grouping them, if applicable,

into files to facilitate description, control, links and determination of

disposition and access status (ISO 15489:2-2001, p. 16)

Convenience files – a file containing duplicates of records kept near the point of use

for ease of reference (Society of American Archivists, 2015, Glossary Terms

C)

Destruction – process of eliminating or deleting records, beyond any possible

reconstruction (ISO 15489:1-2001, p. 2)

Disposition – range of processes associated with implementing records retention,

destruction or transfer decisions which are documented in disposition

authorities or other instruments (ISO 15489:1-2001, p. 3)

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Document – recorded information or object which can be treated as a unit (ISO

15489:1-2001, p. 3)

General records disposition schedule – refers to a records control schedule governing

the disposition of specified recurring records series common to all

government agencies issues by National Archives of the Philippines (Official

Gazette, 2009, p. 1716)

Indexing - process of establishing access points to facilitate retrieval of records

and/or information (ISO 15489:1-2001, p. 3)

Metadata - data describing context, content and structure of records and their

management through time (ISO 15489:1-2001, p. 3)

Non-current records – refers to files that deal with completed or adjourned business

not needed for action or reference in continuing agency transactions but have

continuing research or historical value to the government and public (Official

Gazette, 2009, p. 1716)

Preservation – refers to all actions taken to retard deterioration of, or prevent damage

to cultural materials and controlling the environment and conditions of use

and may include treatment to maintain materials as nearly as possible in an

unchanging state (Official Gazette, 2009, p. 1716)

Records Center / Storage Area – refers to an intermediate repository in which non-

current records of various government offices are stored until they can be

destroyed or transferred to the National Archives of the Philippines (Official

Gazette, 2009, p. 1717)

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36

Records creation – refers to the (1) organization’s operation wherein exchange of

written ideas between two sources occur; (2) act of controlling records and

retaining them in records keeping system; and (3) bringing the records into

existence as evidence of any administrative process (Official Gazette, 2009,

p. 1717)

Records disposition schedule – refers to the listing of records series by organization

showing for each records series the period of time it is to remain in the office

area, in the storage (inactive) area and its preservation or destruction (Official

Gazette, 2009, p. 1717)

Records inventory – is a detailed listing of the volume, scope, and complexity of an

organization's records, usually compiled for the purpose of creating a records

schedule (A Glossary for Archivists, Manuscript Curators, and Records

Managers, Society of American Archivists: Chicago, 1992, p. 19)

Records management – refers to the managerial activities involved with respect to

the records creation, records maintenance and use, transmission, retention,

and records disposition in order to achieve adequate and proper

documentation of policies and transactions of government for its efficient,

effective and economical operation (Official Gazette, 2009, p. 1717)

Records management policy – is an essential tool for supporting good corporate

governance and demonstrates your agency's commitment to effective records

management practices (National Archives of Australia - Policies, procedures

and guidelines, 2015, para. 1)

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Records management improvement committee – refers to a group of key officials

and employees designated by the head of the agency responsible for the

improvement of their records activities (Official Gazette, 2009, p. 1717)

Records management manual – refers to a guide which contain the functions,

organizational chart of the records office, policies and standard operation

procedures on records management activities of an agency (Official Gazette,

2009, p. 1717)

Records office – refers to an organizational unit responsible for planning,

developing, prescribing, disseminating and enforcing policies, rules and

regulations and coordinating agency-wide records management program

(Official Gazette, 2009, p. 1717)

Records officer – refers to the employee responsible for overseeing the records

management program and providing guidance on adequate and proper

recordkeeping (Official Gazette, 2009, p. 1717)

Registration - act of giving a record a unique identifier on its entry into a system

(ISO 15489:1-2001, p. 3)

Retention period – refers to the specific period of time established and approved by

the National Archives of the Philippines as the life span of records, after

which they are deemed ready for permanent storage or destruction (Official

Gazette, 2009, p. 1718)

Storage - A set of processes to ensure that records are protected, accessible and

managed in a cost-effective manner for as long as they are needed. This

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38

includes facilitating retrieval and use (National Archives of Australia, 2015,

Glossary)

Tracking – creating, capturing and maintaining information about the movement and

use of records (ISO 15489:1-2001, p. 3)

Transfer of records – refers to the systematic movement of records out of high cost

space and equipment to less expensive storage area / records center (Official

Gazette, 2009, p. 1718)

University of the Philippines System (UPS) – is the term used to include all units of

the University regardless of campus, function, and location

University of the Philippines System Administration (UPSA) – refers to the central

administration of UP which includes the Office of President (OP), the offices

of the Vice Presidents (OVPs), Office of the Secretary of the University, and

the offices of the assistant vice presidents and directors under OP and OVPs

Valueless records – refer to all records that have reached the prescribed retention

periods and outlived the usefulness to the agency or the government as a

whole (Official Gazette, 2009, p. 1718)

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CHAPTER III

METHODOLOGY

Chapter III describes and discusses the design of the research, the intended

respondents, the instruments and methods to collect data, and the analysis of the

collected data.

Research Design

The descriptive research approach was employed by this study. Through this

method, the researcher was able to observe and capture actual situations, problems,

phenomenon, services, and programs of the subject offices. This method also

provided a better understanding of the underlying reasons for such records

management practice. The study did not require full participation of the respondents,

thus, did not cause any delay or interruption in the daily business operations of the

institution.

The analysis of this study was divided into four (4) phases. The researcher

started the data gathering by requesting a list of documents from the respondents.

This list was the first part of the survey questionnaire (Appendix III-A). The second

phase was the actual data gathering through the survey questionnaire and interview

(Appendix III-B). Interviews were conducted to seek clarification and in-depth

discussion on certain survey questions. For UP Los Baños, UP Manila, UP Open

University and UP Baguio respondents, the researcher needed to serve the survey

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40

questionnaire through one-on-one interview to help the respondents in answering the

questions. Pictures were taken for actual appreciation of the results of the

questionnaire. The third phase was the presentation of the data in tables, the textual

analysis of the results, and the setting of results to the self-audit tool (Appendix I-A)

to measure the compliance of the University with the ISO 15489 and RA 9470.

Lastly, conclusions and recommendations were offered to improve and help the

records management practices in UP to be compliant with the ISO 15489 and the RA

9470. A self-audit tool was also proposed for use of the University (Appendix I-B).

Population and Sample

The researcher was able to tap a total of 32 respondents. The main

respondents were from the top-level offices of the University. These offices are the

Office of the President, Office of the Secretary of the University and of the Board of

Regents, Offices of the Chancellors, and the Office of the Dean for UP Cebu. The

records office of UP Los Baños, UPLB Record Management Office (RMO), was

included in the study which is one of the two established records offices in UP (OSU

is the other which was established by UP Charter). The records officers/personnel

were the main respondents with a total number of 17 participants.

The researcher asked the participation of at least one personnel from each

office. For offices with no official records personnel, the participation of the

personnel doing records management functions was solicited. The heads of unit

(University President, Secretary of the University, Chancellors, and Dean) were also

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41

asked to answer a short questionnaire (Appendix III-C). All heads of units

participated in the study, a total of 10 respondents. Selected records clients shared

their views on the issues of records management in UP. Five records clients

responded to the short questionnaire (Appendix III-D) which was sent via email.

Support towards the standardization of UP records management was also sought

through the farmed out survey questionnaires.

Research Instruments

Survey questionnaire and interviews, as well as the study of

literature/documentations, were the major research instruments used by the

researcher. As discussed in Chapter I, the researcher was able to do face-to-face

interviews and site visits to limited respondents because of financial and time

constraints. Only UP System, UP Diliman, UP Manila, UP Los Baños and UP

Baguio site visits were feasible. The researcher asked all possible help from other

respondents in taking pictures of the records room and patience during phone-call

interviews, in lieu of inability to do site visits.

The survey questionnaire for the main respondents was mainly adopted from

the studies of Buenrostro (2010) and Külcü (2009). According to Buenrostro, her

questionnaire was patterned after Granda’s (1981) study, ISO 15489 and RA 9470.

The researcher heavily relied on Kulcu’s study to capture the records issues in the

University. Additional sections and questions were added by the researcher to

address the specific problems stated in this study. The questionnaire has two parts,

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42

Part I listed the documents that were requested from the main respondents and Part II

contained the questions to capture the actual practices in each office. It was planned

to request copies of all available documents as listed in Part I, but the respondents

hesitated to release a copy of outdated and draft documents. But the researcher was

able to read and analyze these documents through the conducted interviews. Part II

was further sub-divided into the records management processes and controls as listed

in the ISO 15489, namely, records capture, records registration, records

classification, storage and handling, access to records, use and tracking,

implementation of disposition, documentation of the records management processes,

monitoring and audit, and training. Sections on electronic records, archival records,

records issues and standardization of records management in UP were also included.

Most of the questions had choices to guide the respondents in answering. Some

questions required the respondents to rate the given entry and to give their own

perspective about it.

The questionnaires for the heads of units and selected records clients were

designed to capture their perceived status of current records management practices

and records issues in the University, and their support towards a common records

management program for UP. These questionnaires were sent via email, particularly

through Google forms.

Also, site visits enabled the researcher not only to inspect the physical set-up

of the records but also to have a more personal and in-depth interview with the

records managers/personnel.

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43

Data Collection

An authorization letter approved by the University President was secured

before farming out the letter-request and questionnaires to the target offices. After

securing the President’s authorization, the researcher then requested the permission

to conduct survey, interview, and site visits through a letter-request addressed to the

Chancellors and Dean, attaching a copy of the survey questionnaire for their records

personnel (see Appendix IV). The letter-request also informed the heads that a short

online questionnaire was sent to their email addresses for their participation.

The questionnaire for selected records clients were also sent via email. A

follow-up phone call was made by the researcher to inform them of the email-

request.

The collection of data started in late April 2015 and was completed in June

2015.

Analysis of Data

The results of the data gathering were presented in tables to visually capture

the current state of the records management practices in the University. Presentation

in tables also helped the researcher in getting the dominant practices of the

University. It also highlighted the constituent units of UP with the most advanced

records management practices.

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44

After the results were presented in tables with corresponding textual analysis,

the results were then plotted to the self-audit tool. The tool clearly showed the

compliance and non-compliance of each campus with the provisions of the ISO

15489 and RA 9470. The tool gauged the compliance rate of each UP campus, and

the University as a whole. The compliance rating of each of the unit was calculated

through the count of total number of provisions met over the total number of

provisions listed in the self-audit tool. To calculate the overall compliance rating of

the University, the results of the compliance of each unit were plotted in one general

table. The average compliance rating by provision provided the overall compliance

rating of the University.

As for the common perceived records issues, its reasons, and the current state

of the records management in UP of the records personnel, the mean rating was

calculated to capture general thoughts of the respondents.

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CHAPTER IV

DATA PRESENTATION

In this chapter, the results of the data gathering conducted by the researcher

are presented and analyzed. Data are shown in tables with corresponding textual

analysis. Pictures and images are added to support the analyses of the researcher.

This chapter contains the following topics: profile of the respondents, overview on

the subject units and its records management, general information on the University

records, records management practices in UP and its compliance with ISO 15489 and

RA 9470, issues on University’s records management practices, and the

standardization of UP’s records management.

Profile of the UP Respondents

The researcher was able to tap 32 respondents to participate in the study. The

respondents are grouped according to the following categories: records officers,

personnel-in-charge of records, heads of units, and selected records clients, as shown

in Table 1.

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46

Table 1

Distribution of Respondents by Group

Groups of Respondents Frequency

Records Officers 2

Personnel in-charge of records 15

Heads of units 10

Selected records clients 5

Total 32

The records officers and personnel-in-charge of records are the main

respondents of the study, with a total of 17 warm bodies. Only two respondents are

records officers, they are from OSU and UPLB-RMO. The researcher observed that

many of the subject units have no records officers, thus the inclusion of “personnel-

in-charge of records” group is deemed essential. The main reason for the absence of

records officer position in top-level UP units is mainly because recordkeeping tasks

are just additional assignments to the regular workload of the UP employees. The

main respondents were asked to answer the questionnaire which captured the actual

record management practices in UP (Appendices III-A and III-B).

The “heads of units” and “selected records clients” groups added significant

inputs on the common records issues in the University. Some recommendations

were sought from these groups to address the issues confronted by the University,

and to gather support towards the standardization of record management. They were

asked to answer the online survey questionnaires (Appendices III-C and III-D). A

total of 15 respondents were classified under these groups.

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47

Table 2 lists the distribution of the 17 main respondents throughout the UP

System. The following units are well-represented: UP Los Baños with five, and two

respondents from each of the following units: UP Manila, UP Mindanao, and UP

Cebu. Only the UP System Administration (UPSA) and UP Los Baños have official

records offices. One of the respondents from UP Manila, the former records officer

of UPM-OC, is now detailed to another office but the Chief Administrative Officer

of UPM-OC requested to accommodate the inputs from said former records officer

for more in-depth analysis of the records management in UPM-OC.

Table 2

Distribution of Main Respondents by Unit

Main Respondents by Unit Count

Office of the President (OP) 1

Office of the Secretary of University and of the Board of Regents (OSU) 1

UP Diliman – Office of the Chancellor (UPD-OC) 1

UP Los Baños – Office of the Chancellor (UPLB-OC) 1

UP Los Baños – Records Management Office (UPLB-RMO) 4

UP Manila – Office of the Chancellor (UPM-OC) 2

UP Visayas – Office of the Chancellor (UPV-OC) 1

UP Open University – Office of the Chancellor (UPOU-OC) 1

UP Mindanao – Office of the Chancellor (UPMin-OC) 2

UP Baguio – Office of the Chancellor (UPB-OC) 1

UP Cebu – Office of the Dean (UP Cebu) 2

Total 17

Majority of the main respondents are not records officers. Thirteen out of the

17 respondents hold non-records officers positions. Their position titles are

presented in Table 3.

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Table 3

Distribution of Main Respondents by Position Title

Position Titles of Main Respondents Frequency

Records Officer V 1

Records Officer III 1

Executive Assistant I 1

Administrative Officer V 3

Administrative Officer IV 1

Administrative Officer III 2

Administrative Officer I 2

Senior Administrative Assistant I 1

Administrative Assistant VI 1

Administrative Assistant V (Private secretary ) 2

Administrative Assistant II 2

Total 17

Anyone can infer from the data shown in Table 3 that records management in

the University is primarily an additional task of the administrative staff. Only two

personnel from the top-level offices of the University hold records officer positions.

The records officers are from OSU and UPLB-RMO. These are also the units with

established records offices. Respondents from UPLB-RMO shared that though their

position titles are not records officers, they are full-time in managing records.

One respondent shared that he previously held a records officer position. But

because of the low salary grade, his office promoted him but to a non-records officer

position. This implies that the record officer positions in the University (and also in

other government agencies) may not be appealing anymore to anyone with

records/information management expertise.

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The background information on the educational attainment of the main

respondents are shown in Table 4. It reveals that only two respondents have formal

education on records management. These respondents are from OP and UPD-OC.

Table 4

List of Educational Attainment of Main Respondents

Highest Educational Attainment Frequency

Master in Public Administration 1

Master in Development Management 1

Master of Library and Information Science (ongoing) 2

Master of ASEAN Studies (ongoing) 1

MA Public Administration (ongoing) 2

BS Commerce 1

BS Economics 1

BS Business Administration 2

BS Business Management 3

BS Secretarial Administration 1

BS Management Accounting 1

Bachelor in Computer Data Processing and Management 1

Total 17

Majority of the records personnel of the subject units earned degrees in

different fields of studies. Although their degrees have no concentration on

information and records management, they all have bachelors and master’s degrees

which are enough to learn and understand the discipline of and skills on records

management. However, it is appropriate that the staff members assigned to manage

records are properly trained and have at least the basic knowledge before they

perform the function. But the University fails to observe this practice. A number of

respondents shared that they have yet to attend any basic training on records

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50

management. This is the current trend in the University’s recruitment of records

personnel.

Aside from educational background, the years of service in UP of the

respondents are presented in Tables 5 and 6. Table 5 shows their number of years of

service in the University while Table 6 presents their number of years as records

personnel.

Table 5

Distribution of Main Respondents by Years of Service in UP

Years of Service in UP Frequency

1-5 0

6-10 4

11-15 2

16-20 4

21-25 2

30-up 5

Total 17

Table 6

Distribution of Main Respondents by Years of Service as Records Officer/Personnel

Years of Service as Records Officer/Personnel Frequency

1-5 6

6-10 3

11-15 2

16-20 2

21-25 4

30-up 0

Total 17

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The data shown in Table 5 reveals that the currently assigned records

personnel of the subject units have long been serving the University. Majority of the

respondents have served UP for more than 10 years. They are already familiar with

the daily operations and the business processes of the University. These experiences

are essential in performing their recordkeeping functions. However, Table 6 shows

that more than half of the respondents are just introduced to the management of

University records, serving as records personnel for less than a decade. Some of the

respondents also shared that there are no permanent staff in-charge of records

management in their offices. Aside from the formulation of appropriate training

program for records personnel, it is necessary for the University to have a standard

records management program to preserve and improve its best practices in spite of

the frequent change of the records personnel. As mentioned earlier, it is also an

important consideration that the assigned records personnel should have at least the

basic knowledge and skills before performing the task to avoid adoption of

inappropriate practices. Staff turnover should be planned carefully to ensure

continuity of the established practices in records management.

Overview on the Subject Units and its Records Management

As discussed in the previous chapter, UP is composed of seven constituent

universities (CUs), one autonomous campus, and a central administration unit (UP

System Administration). This composition is reflected in the organizational chart of

UP, Figure 1. Additionally, as a general introduction on UP, it has around 60,000

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52

undergraduate and graduate students with more than 5,000 faculty members. It

offers around 500 degree programs. The University employs over 8,000

administrative personnel (UP System Budget Office [UPS-Budget Office], 2013).

This shows how vast the scope of University records, not only as a government

institution but also as the leading university in the Philippines. The breakdown of

these figures by unit is briefly discussed in Appendix II. Aside from the breakdown,

a brief narration of the history, description, mission and vision, and organizational

structures of each unit are described in said appendix. A discussion on the staffing

pattern of records personnel and the records units of each of the subject unit are

presented in the succeeding sections.

Office of the President (OP) – UP System

The UP President has a single six-year term who is elected by the UP Board

of Regents (BOR), the highest policy making body of the University. As stated in

the Chapter I, the President is the chief academic officer, chief executive officer and

the head of the university faculty (RA 9500, 2008, Sec. 14). The staff of the Office

of the UP President (OP) backstop the President in overseeing the operations of the

whole UP System and in ensuring that the goals set by the Charter, the directives

from the BOR and strategic initiatives of the University are all being implemented.

OP is composed of 9 permanent administrative staff members and 5 job

order/contractual personnel (see Appendix II for the organizational chart). The

vision of the office depends on agenda or initiatives of the current UP President. Its

thrust also depends on the priority programs of the President.

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53

The records management function of the office is mainly delegated to the

executive assistants of OP. An executive assistant is in-charge of the records of the

office who is supervised by the senior executive assistant. Almost all types of

records go in and out of the office but the primary records maintained by the office

are mainly on university governance policy.

Office of the Secretary of the University and of the Board of Regents (OSU) – UP

System

The Office of the Secretary of the University and of the Board of Regents

(OSU) has 16 staff members, 15 are permanent staff (see Appendix II for the

organizational chart). The Secretary of University is tasked to keep the records of

the University as may be designated by the BOR (RA 9500, 2008, Sec. 15).

Additionally, OSU:

facilitates governance of the University through its work as the

secretariat and administrative arm of the Board of Regents and the

President’s Advisory Council. It serves as the primary interface and

communication link between the top policy makers and executive

officers of the University on one hand and the diverse stakeholders

and resource providers of the University and the general public on

the other. Being the repository of Board policies and decisions, the

office may also be called upon to conduct or to oversee studies and

research on policy issues that require Board attention and action.

(OSU website, 2015)

Mandated as the repository of BOR policies and decisions, almost 90% of its

records consist of university policies and the issuances of the University Presidents

(like administrative orders, memoranda, executive orders and outgoing letters).

Managing these vital records is a records officer who performs the records

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54

management in the office with the help of another OSU staff. OSU has a dedicated

storage room for its records.

Under the governance of current Secretary of the University, OSU’s priority

program is the digitization of its records or the eOSU Project. The eOSU Project is

discussed further in the next sections.

Office of the Chancellor – UP Diliman (UPD-OC)

UP Diliman is largest campus in the UP System. The records section of the

Office of the Chancellor of UP Diliman serves as the main records office of this

diverse campus. The Office has a records officer and another records personnel who

has a contractual appointment.

UPD-OC has a dedicated area for its records. Its records storage facilities

and area have enough space to accommodate its current record holdings. The

respondent from UPD-OC shared that given the volume of records coming in and out

of their office, records storage area was well-considered during the renovation of

their office.

Office of the Chancellor – UP Los Baños (UPLB-OC)

UP Los Baños has an official records office which is the Records

Management Office - UPLB (UPLB-RMO). But in spite of the presence such

records office, Office of the Chancellor of UPLB still performs recordkeeping task

which is assigned to one of the staff of the office, as supervised by the senior

administrative officer.

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55

UPLB-OC has assigned a room for its record holdings but this area is located

remotely from UPLB-OC. According to the records personnel of the office, UPLB-

OC has ongoing plan to transfer the records storage room near the office.

Records Management Office – UP Los Baños (UPLB-RMO)

The UPLB-RMO is the official records office established by the BOR for

UPLB campus. UPLB-RMO’s historical background is provided in Appendix II.

The mandates of the RMO are to:

1. formulate, implement, and continually analyze policies to effect

better records control;

2. identify and analyze problem areas in the creation, maintenance,

and disposition of the records of UPLB;

3. establish a uniform classification and filing system for all the

records of UPLB, regardless of their present location;

4. adopt standard operation procedures for the classification, filing,

and servicing of records;

5. plan and establish schedules for the retention and disposal of

records; and,

6. initiate training courses for records personnel in the various

aspects of records management. (UPLB-RMO Manual, 2004, p.

4)

The office currently has four sections, namely, the current records section

with five staff; the non-current records section with six staff; the communication

service section with three staff members; and the bindery service section with three

staff. All these sections are supervised by the Chief and Records Officer V of the

office. The organizational chart is presented in Appendix II.

According to the respondents from UPLB-RMO, their records are from the

different units of UPLB. The office has a number of records centers but still it needs

more space for its growing records. Considering the both UPLB-OC and UPLB-

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56

RMO have records storage issues, it would be beneficial if the campus would

consider only one central records storage for the entire campus. UPLB-RMO should

be empowered to fully perform its mandates set by the UP BOR.

Office of the Chancellor – UP Manila (UPM-OC)

The Office of the Chancellor of UP Manila has 11 administrative staff

members including one contractual staff (see Appendix II for the organization chart).

An administrative assistant is in-charge of records management as supervised by the

Chief Administrative Officer. The records personnel shared that he just assumed the

recordkeeping task of the office since last year. Unfortunately, he also shared that he

is yet to attend any basic training. He pointed out that his lack of knowledge and

skills aggravate the current records issues present in their campus.

The former records officer of the office is now assigned to the Central Point

of Contact (CPC) unit of UP Manila who is in-charge of all the records received and

released by the campus. The CPC Project of UP Manila is further discussed in the

succeeding sections.

Like the other UP units, UPM-OC has a records storage area, and also faces

same inadequate records storage. More on this issue is discussed in the next

sections.

Office of the Chancellor – UP Visayas (UPV-OC)

The Office of the Chancellor of UP Visayas currently has six support staff

members. Three of these staff are permanent, and three are contractuals (see

Appendix II). One of the permanent staff (Administrative Aide VI) is in-charge of

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57

the recordkeeping tasks of the office. The issue on inadequate records storage space

is also experienced by the office in managing its records.

Office of the Chancellor – UP Open University (UPOU-OC)

The head office of UPOU, the Office of the Chancellor, is manned by two

permanent and one contractual staff members. Although considered as a virtual

university, majority of the records of the campus are still in paper form. The

administrative officer of UPOU-OC is mainly in-charge of the records.

It was revealed that the Office has not disposed any of its record holding

since its establishment in 1995. This is the main cause of the records storage issue of

the Office. The respondent from the Office disclosed that they plan to renovate the

office and that a bigger space for records storage area is a main consideration.

Office of the Chancellor – UP Mindanao (UPMin-OC)

UP Mindanao was elevated as a constituent university in 1998. Though it is

relatively young compared to other constituent units of the University, it already

faces a number of records issues. Because of these issues, the Chancellor constituted

a Records Management Team in 2014 to focus on the improvement of records

management in the campus. The output of the Team is expected in July 2015.

However, the researcher was not able to wait for the output of the Team due to time

constraints. The Team’s output would have been a vital part of this study to beef up

the discussion on the University’s efforts on the improvement of records

management.

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In the Office of the Chancellor of UP Mindanao, records management is a

shared responsibility of the two administrative officers and a utility worker. One of

the administrative officers of UPMin-OC is a member of the constituted Records

Management Team.

Office of the Chancellor – UP Baguio (UPB-OC)

Another young campus is UP Baguio. The Office of the Chancellor has three

staff members. One of these staff members is in-charge of the records of the office.

The UPB-OC’s records personnel shared that their records section serves as

the records office of the campus. It is very important for her to keep every record

that has value not only for her office, but for the entire campus. She is also asked to

initiate the records management in other units of UPB. Given this situation, it is very

important that records personnel of the top-level offices of the University to have

adequate knowledge and skills on records management to avoid providing erring

practices.

Office of the Dean – UP Cebu

The Office of the Dean of Cebu has three staff members. Two staff are in-

charge of the recordkeeping in the office. The respondents from UP Cebu shared

that every unit in the college has their own records storage areas. Every unit is

expected to manage their own records. Like the respondent from UP Manila,

respondents from UP Cebu shared that she look forward to attend basic records

management trainings.

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59

Over the years, the University has established only two records offices, OSU

and UPLB-RMO. The absence of a central records office for the entire UP System

necessitated each campus to manage its records through their own ways.

Additionally, almost all units are experiencing inadequate records storage which is a

lingering records problem in UP since 1970s, as pointed out by a number of studies.

Given the current status of the records management in UP, it is very important that

the records personnel are well-experienced and well-trained. But this is not the case

in UP. The detailed discussion of the records management practices in UP is

provided in the next section.

The Records of the Subject Units

For more than a hundred years in existence, UP has definitely accumulated a

volume of records to support its continued presence and business operations. This

was also one of the findings of a committee in 1981 which was discussed in Chapter

II. This section introduces the nature of records that are being managed by the

subject units.

As discussed in the previous chapter, the study is limited to administrative

records only. Administrative records are the common records managed by the

subject units. Table 7 shows the common administrative records that the offices

manage.

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60

Table 7

Types of Records Managed by UP

Types of Records

Units

OP

OS

U

UP

D

UP

LB

UP

LB

RM

O

UP

M

UP

V

UP

OU

UP

Min

UP

B

UP

Ceb

u

Memoranda / / / / / / / / / / /

Administrative

Orders / / / / / / / / / / /

Correspondence

Files / / / / / / / / / / /

Policy and

Procedure Manuals / / / x / x x / / / /

Minutes of the

Meeting / / / / / / x / / / /

Financial Reports / x / x / x / / / x /

Annual Reports / x / x / x / / / / /

Speeches / x / x / / / / / /

Organizational

Charts/Plantilla / x x x / x x / / x /

Government

Publications / x x x x x x x x x x

Audio-visual

Materials / x x x x x x x / x x

Photographs / x x x / x x x / x x

Records of

Research Activities x x x x x x x x x x x

Informational

Materials on UP / x x x x x x x x / x

201 Files / x x x x x x / x x x

Case Files / x x x x x x x x x x

Legal Files

(e.g. MOA, etc.) / x x / x x x x x x x

As revealed in Table 7, memoranda, administrative orders, correspondence

files, minutes of meetings, and policy papers are the most common record types that

the subject units manage. This pattern across the subject units is expected as these

records are the ones created by the offices and the common reference materials for

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61

the decision making of the offices. Of all the subject units, OP is managing almost

all types of records listed in Table 7. This is likely the case as OP is expected to deal

not only with UP-related records but also with other government records, being the

head office of the University.

The records managed by the subject units are the vital records of the

University as it includes policy records. This is also the reason why the researcher

chose to study the top-level offices of the University, to highlight how the University

maintain its vital records. The section on the actual records management practices of

said units reveals the status of these vital records of the University.

Table 8

Formats of Records Managed by UP (in percent)

Units Paper Electronic

OP 70 30

OSU 50 50

UPD 90 10

UPLB 100

UPLB RMO 100

UPM 100

UPV 100

UPOU 80 20

UPMin 80 20

UPB 99 1

UPCebu 98 2

Although majority of the records of UP are in paper format, more than half of

the subject units are now dealing with electronic records as presented in Table 8.

The main respondents shared that the computers and scanner rolled out throughout

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62

the UP campuses by the eUP Team helped them in starting up the electronic records

management in their offices.

Most of respondents shared that inactive records are their priority in

digitization. This is to save up some space in their records storage areas.

Respondent from OSU shared that the UP Gazette and BOR decisions are now made

available in electronic format for ease of record searching as well as to save on

records storage space. For OP, the respondent shared that her office started to

digitize the issuances of the UP Presidents which are the primary records created by

the office. The digitization of OP now expanded to cover inactive records as well as

selected active records using the EDMS program of the office.

One well-established digitization project is the project of the UPLB RMO

which is manned by 4 contractual staff members and supervised by the Chief

Records Officer of the office. The project is being funded by UPLB every year upon

submission of progress report and justification of project continuity. An in-depth

discussion on UP’s electronic records is found in succeeding sections.

Records Management Practices in UP

The results of the data gathering on the actual records management practices

in UP are presented according to the listed records management processes and

controls in ISO 15489 as follows: records creation/capture, records registration,

records classification, storage and handling, access to records, use and tracking, and

implementation of disposition. The documentation of the records management

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63

processes, monitoring and audit, training of the staff, archives management, and

electronic records are also discussed for more holistic analysis of the records

management in the University.

Records Creation/Capture

Records capture is defined as the “process of determining that a record

should be made and kept” (ISO 15489, 2001, p. 14). It is important to have a clear

guideline on what records to create and capture within the records system of an

organization. Control over records creation is also an important consideration for an

efficient records system (ISO 15489, 2001, p. 14). The 1981 committee report also

recommended a common guideline over control of records creation to regulate the

fast growing number of University records which mostly have duplicate or more

copies. Unfortunately UP, until now, has no clear guideline on records creation and

capture despite the recommendation of the committee.

The different UP offices manage to create their own system of control over

its records. The common control systems are listed in Table 9.

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Table 9

Records Creation Control in UP

Units

Observance of

Directives Issued

on Records

Control

Uniform Titles/Codes

for Administrative

Issuances

Review of Outgoing

Communications

Prior to Release

OP / / /

OSU / / /

UPD / / /

UPLB x / /

UPLB

RMO x x x

UPM x / /

UPV x / /

UPOU x / /

UPMin x / /

UPB x / /

UPCebu x / /

Majority of the UP offices admitted that they are not observing any directives

on records control even with the existence of such directives. Only OP, OSU and

UPD-OC have confirmed their submission to some of the University directives as

shown in Table 9. Respondents from OP and OSU shared that in 2011, the Secretary

of the University issued two memoranda reiterating the use of A4 size paper and the

adoption of a uniform date format for UP communications (Memorandum No. OSU-

11-16 and Memorandum No. OSU-11-17). Said memoranda were disseminated

throughout the UP System, calling the attention of all UP officials, faculty and staff

members. But most of the respondents don’t seem to remember such directives. The

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65

absence of a monitoring body on the compliance of each UP unit is a probable main

reason for such neglect.

Almost all units have an established system in assigning uniform title/code

for administrative issuances. A pattern on this uniform title/code system across UP

units is very apparent as reflected in Figure 5.

Figure 5. Samples of uniform titles/codes for creation of UP records

Top-level UP offices usually include the following elements to control the

creation of administrative records: type of record, initials of the head of unit, year

created, and the sequence number. This uniform titles/codes are listed in logbooks or

any equivalent control system to monitor the uniqueness of each administrative

issuance released by the office. This established coding system should be considered

in standardizing the records creation process in the University.

In addition, the respondents also shared that all their created records are

reviewed by the most senior staff and/or by the heads of units prior to release. This

practice is yet to be documented. It is also worth mentioning that none of the units

performs any high level records process at this early stage of records management

process, like adding notation for index, classification, and disposition schedule. This

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66

may be attributed to the absence of a guide in processing records that are captured

and created by the units.

By practice, the subject units are capturing all the records listed in the Table

7. These are records that originate from their office and records that serve as

reference materials for the decision making of the University officials. The

importance of records capture is to establish the relationship between the record, the

creator and business context that originated it, to position the record and its

relationship within a records system, and to link it with other records (ISO 15489-1,

2001). Without the proper technique in records creation/capture, a record would

have just lost within the records system of an institution or would just have lost its

value.

As presented in Table 9, UPLB-RMO is the only office with no established

records capture and creation system. UPLB-RMO is expected to manage all records

sent to their office. These are the records captured in their system. The office is also

not expected to release any administrative issuance. Given this, it is anticipated that

the office need not establish such a system on control of records creation.

All of the offices have access to common records processors such as

photocopier machines, computers and scanners. At the moment, none of them has

plans to acquire highly technical machines for their records management.

These highlight the fact that despite the recommendation of the 1981

committee, the University still failed to craft a standard guide on the records creation

and capture. It may be inferred that the University may not find it important to craft

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67

such guide as the records personnel are able to perform their task in spite of the

absence of a standard.

Records Registration

After the creation and capture of records into the records system, records

registration follows immediately. The primary purpose of records registration is to

provide evidence that a certain records has been created or captured in a records

system. Additionally, efficient records registration also facilitates retrieval (ISO

15489-1, 2001). In the University, top-level offices use one or more schemes in

registering the records. These schemes are presented in Table 10.

Table 10

Records Registration Systems in UP

Units Logbook Computer-aided system DTS

OP / / /

OSU / / /

UPD / / /

UPLB / / /

UPLB RMO / / /

UPM / / /

UPV / x x

UPOU / x /

UPMin / x /

UPB / x x

UPCebu / x /

All subject units use logbooks in the registration of records. Moreover, the

University is now utilizing the use of information and communication technologies

(ICTs) in managing records. Aside from logbooks, most of the units use document

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68

tracking system (DTS) and computers-aided programs in their records registration

process.

Figures 6 and 7 show the different DTS programs used in the University. A

standard document tracking system (DTS) under the management of eUP Team was

rolled out for use of the UPSA units in 2013. President Pascual reinforced the

utilization of the UP DTS making sure that every UPSA unit uses the system. But

even with the issuance of such order, a number of units are still not using the system.

Strict compliance must be monitored by every head of UP units to ensure that their

records personnel are reminded of such directive. Units from other campuses use a

different DTS program. Like the in-house data tracking system of UPD-OC which

was developed in 2000. UPD-OC is now in the process of upgrading said system to

match the current trend in records management. UP Manila has also developed its

own Document Assessment and Training System (DATS) in 2012 which was at first

centrally managed by the Central Point of Contact (CPC) Office. The management

of the system was later on decentralized in 2014. UPLB also uses a different DTS

for records within the UPLB campus and at the same time uses the UP DTS for all

records coming in and going to the UPSA. UPOU, UP Mindanao, and UP Cebu are

now utilizing the UP DTS. The UP DTS and all other similar programs used by UP

units implement the use of barcodes to facilitate tracking. UP Visayas and UP

Baguio are still not utilizing any DTS program, even the UP DTS which is available

for use of every UP unit. The respondents from said units may be satisfied with the

logbook system, and are not aware of the benefits of using a DTS. Issuance of a

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69

directive from the Chancellors and Dean and monitoring of strict compliance may

drive the records personnel to utilize the available records system in UP.

Figure 6. UP Document Tracking System (UP DTS) and UPLB’s DTS

UP DTS for all units of UP

UP Los Banos’ DTS

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70

Figure 7. UP Manila’s Document Assessment and Tracking System

Six out of the 11 subject units also utilize computer-aided programs in

records registration. OP and OSU make use of an electronic document management

system (EDMS) called Laserfiche Program (see Figure 8) in the registration of

created and captured records. This is a paid software which was pilot tested in

UPSA units. Discussions are ongoing about the possible adoption of the Laserfiche

into the eUP Project (A. Lagman, personal communication, 10 June 2015).

UP Manila and UPLB RMO also use computer programs like MS Excel and

MS Access in its records registration. MS Excel is used by UPM-OC to list down all

its created and captured records. This is an additional system used by the office

aside from the logbook and DTS. UPLB-RMO also uses MS Access through a

database with pre-defined form to regulate the elements captured for records

registration.

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71

Figure 8. Electronic document management system (Laserfiche)

used by OP and OSU

Table 11

Elements Captured by UP During Records Registration

Units Unique Identifier /

Control Number

Title / Short

Description

Date and

Time of

Receipt

Author, Sender,

or Recipient

OP / / / /

OSU / / / /

UPD / / / /

UPLB / / / /

UPLB

RMO / / / /

UPM x / / /

UPV x / x /

UPOU / / / /

UPMin / / / /

UPB x / / /

UPCebu x / x /

In records registration, UP captures descriptions which can help in the

identification of the record once it enters the system. Seven out of the 11 subject

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72

units capture almost all possible elements in the registration of records. While UPM-

OC, UPV-OC, UPB-OC and UP Cebu are conservative in capturing records

description (see Table 11).

The University has a number of systems used in records registration. Almost

all of these systems are not documented. The use of a common records registration

system throughout the entire UP System may be easily formulated if only the current

systems used are formally recorded.

Records Classification

The next step after registration is for the records personnel to classify the

records according to the unit’s classification scheme, if any. A guide on how to

classify the records can assure consistency of work and efficient time management in

performing the process. This is a powerful tool that assist the conduct of the

institution’s business processes and as well as the processes involved in records

management. The following are the benefits of a well-established records

classification system: a) provides linkages between individual records which

accumulate to provide a continuous record of activity; b) ensures records are named

in a consistent manner over time; c) assists in the retrieval of all records relating to a

particular function or activity; d) determines security protection and access

appropriate for sets of records; e) allocates user permissions for access to, or action

on, particular groups of records; f) distributes responsibility for management of

particular sets of records; g) distributes records for action; and, h) determines

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73

appropriate retention periods and disposition actions for records (ISO 15489-1,

2001).

The University is able to establish its own classification scheme but it is

apparent that many units use a simple system of classification. Table 12 summarizes

the classification style of UP.

Table 12

Classification of UP Records

Units By Types

or Forms

By

Subject

or Topic

By Office

or

Institution

By Date or

Chronology

By Numeric

or Code

Category

By

Geographic

Grouping

OP / / / / x x

OSU / / / x x x

UPD / / / / / /

UPLB / / / / x x

UPLB

RMO / / / / / /

UPM / / / x / x

UPV x x / x x x

UPOU x / x / x x

UPMin x x / / x x

UPB / / / / x x

UPCebu / / / x x x

Table 12 shows that UPLB-RMO has the most comprehensive records

classification system which includes the types or forms of the record, the subject or

topic, the office or institution, the date or chronology, numeric or code category and

geographic grouping. It is the only unit with a formal file classification guide which

is included in its published Manual of Operations and Procedures (2004). UPLB-

RMO’s system makes use of major, primary, secondary and tertiary classification. It

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74

also prepares subject index for important records which serves as a record locator

(works like a library card catalogue). The indexes are written on 3”x5” index cards

and kept in the subject index files. The records officers of UPLB-RMO also

determine a number of cross-references required for a specific record (see Figure 9).

Figure 9. UPLB-RMO’s indexing and

cross-referencing system

Like UPLB-RMO, OSU and UPD-OC have specific area for records

classifiers and indexers. OSU has developed its own File Classification Guide which

is based on Functional Subject-Alphabetic Classification System. It also prepares

cross-referencing for each record. UPD-OC devised a comprehensive records master

file with cabinet location. To formalize these functions, OSU and UPD-OC are

currently drafting their manual of operations. UP Mindanao has also constituted its

Records Management Team (RMT) which is tasked to propose a records

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75

classification system for the use of the campus by July 2015. All the other offices

classify the records according to the established practice or knowledge of the records

personnel. The units have no plans yet in formalizing such important records

management tool.

Having no standard tool to classify records put UP’s vital records in high

chances of getting lost. Of all the subject units, UPLB-RMO has the most advance

records classification system which UP may consider in its standardization of records

management processes.

Storage and Handling

Records storage of an institution must permit the useability, reliability,

authenticity and preservation of the records as long as the records are needed. Vital

records require higher quality storage facilities for its proper preservation (ISO

15489-1, 2001). This must be an important consideration of the subject units as they

handle the vital records of the University.

In the University, the most common practice in prepping up the records for

filing is the identification of the folder where the records belong or the classification

of records. After the records had been classified, they are usually filed in the

appropriate folders with proper label. These folders are kept and organized in steel

cabinets, wooden cabinets, shelves or racks, and boxes. Electronic storage devices

are now a famous storage facility in the University as it starts exploring the

management of electronic records.

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The respondents shared that they sort and file their records according to the

established office classification scheme. Note that when the respondents were asked

if they have an existing filing manual, almost all of them answered none, except for

OSU, UPD-OC and UPLB-RMO. As stated in the previous section, classification

systems of the majority of UP units are oftentimes relying on the personal knowledge

of the records personnel. Respondents from UPLB-RMO shared that their filing

manual is part of their manual of operations. It serves as their guide to standardize

their filing operation.

Another issue on the handling of records in the University is the backlog in

filing. Because recordkeeping is just additional work for the assigned records

personnel, they seldom find time to file their records. Some of the respondents

answered that they only file records when they have time or when the heads of units

are away. Most of the records personnel said that in the average, it would take them

weeks or months before they could focus on filing the records. This is one of the

many disadvantages of not having a fulltime records officer in an office, especially

in top-level offices. OSU, UPLB, and UPLB-RMO are the only units with no

backlogs in terms of records filing.

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77

Table 13

Records Storage Facilities in UP

Units Steel

Cabinets

Wooden

Cabinets

Shelves /

Racks Boxes

Electronic

Storage Devices

OP / x / / /

OSU / x / / /

UPD / / / / /

UPLB / x x / x

UPLB RMO / / / / /

UPM / x x / x

UPV / / / x x

UPOU / x x / /

UPMin / x / x /

UPB / x / / x

UPCebu / x x / /

UPD-OC and UPLB-RMO have all types of storage facilities as seen in Table

13. The storage facilities of said offices must have been the accumulation of

purchased records storage facilities over the years. UPLB-RMO has been doing

records management since its formal creation in 1987, while UPD-OC was the main

records unit of the campus since the reorganization of the campus. It is also apparent

that most of the offices do not have wooden cabinets anymore. Also, seven out of

the 11 units have setup electronic storage devices as records storage.

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78

Table 14

Status of UP Records Storage

Units Has Adequate

Space

With Limited

Space

Ready for Future Expansion

of Active Records

OP x / x

OSU x / x

UPD / x /

UPLB x / /

UPLB RMO x / /

UPM x / x

UPV x / x

UPOU x / /

UPMin x / x

UPB x / x

UPCebu x / x

Many of the subject units mentioned that they already have limited records

storage (see Table 14). This is very alarming and may demand expansion of the

current records storage or the strict implementation of disposition to address the

issue. Notice that since 1981, as reported by a committee under OVPPF, UPSA units

have been suffering from inadequate records storage.

Only UPD-OC answered that it has enough records storage at present. The

researcher noted that UPD-OC had recently renovated their office, and that the new

office is designed for spacious records storage. OP and OSU shared that the

administration has an ongoing procurement for container vans which can augment

the limited storage areas of the UPSA units. Respondents from UPOU-OC and

UPLB-OC mentioned that there are plans to renovate their offices and bigger records

storage areas are part of the renovation plan. UPLB-RMO is also requesting

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79

additional records storage centers for the fast growing records of the UPLB campus.

Note that none of the respondents shared any effort to review their records for

implementation of disposition as a solution to the scarcity of records storage.

Figure 10. UP’s records storage facilities and areas

UPLB-RMO’s records boxes in wooden

shelves

UUPP CCeebbuu’’ss

sshheellvveess ffoorr

aaccttiivvee ffoollddeerrss

OSU’s records storage

area with other office

stuff

UPD-OC’s records storage facilities

UPB-OC’s steel cabinets with labels

UPM-OC’s steel cabinets

and records boxes

UPLB-OC’s

records shelves

Page 95: Assessment of Records Management in the University of the Philippines

80

Figure 10 shows the different records storage facilities and areas of selected

units in the University. Most of the records personnel describe their records storage

areas as ‘bodega’ (storage room). This is because their records storage areas also

serves as storehouse for all other stuff and equipment of the office. This is not the

ideal setup for records storage as described by ISO 15489, especially for the vital

records which are in the custody of the subject units. All of the respondents agreed

to have a central records center for their non-active records. This may be the best

solution for the poor setup of records storage in the University.

As observed by the researcher, one reason for the scanty storage area for

records in the University is the non-implementation of records retention and

disposition schedule. The easiest solution may be the prohibition of filing of non-

record materials. Filing of voluminous magazine, books, newspapers, pamphlets,

and the likes, may take up most of the space of the records storage. UPD-OC,

UPLB-OC, UPLB-RMO, UPMin-OC and UP Cebu said that they file such materials

in their offices. UPD-OC explained that the office set a period of time before

transferring to the library or proper disposition.

Because of the current problem on records storage, many of the subject units

start to explore the use of digital storage facilities. This is further given prominence

because of the implementation of the eUP Project.

As part of effective records management, the organization must conduct a

risk analysis on the records storage and handling options that are appropriate and

feasible for its records. This includes disaster recovery plan that defines an

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81

organized and prioritized response to disasters, a plan for continued regular business

operations despite disaster, and plans for recovery after disaster (ISO 15489:2,

2001). The findings of the study expose that none of the subject units has a disaster

recovery plan. At present, the units have no plans of putting up such measures to

protect the vital records of the University. Even units with well-established records

system fail to observe this important aspect of records management.

Access to Records

Formal guidelines should be devised to regulate the access to records. It is

very important that related regulatory environment or legislation be consulted in

crafting the guidelines on records access rights, conditions or restrictions as

ineffective guideline may jeopardize the institution (ISO 15489-1:2001). UP, again,

lacks on this aspect.

One important aspect in records access is the security system for

unauthorized access. The researcher observed that most of the records storage

facilities of the units are in secured places. The cabinets and boxes are placed in the

innermost area of the offices to secure the records from any unauthorized access.

Units with storage areas for non-active records are locked and only the heads of units

and the records personnel have access inside the storage room. Figure 11 shows a

sample records access restriction in UP. However, the current setup of records

access in UP should be well-documented. The document should include plan for the

ideal records storage facility and area locations to ensure the security of records.

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82

Figure 11. Securing access to UP records

The respondent from OP shared that EDMS program used by the office needs

review in terms of access rights and restrictions. At present, all OP staff are sharing

one user account. The integrity of the records will be preserved if different user

accounts will be created with different access rights and restrictions. The University

is yet to renew the license of Laserfiche, thus UP cannot acquire support from the

software provider. The eUP Team is in-charge of the program, but the OP

respondent opined that the assigned program administrator is not that competent to

address this current issue.

Despite the absence of a standard records access in UP, there is enough

security measures in place which can be studied and collated to form part of the

standard records management program for UP.

Use and Tracking

Records that are effectively registered in the records system can be easily

traced to identify outstanding action required, enable retrieval, prevent loss, monitor

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the usage for system maintenance and security, and maintain an auditable trail of

records transaction, and identify the origin of the records in case system upgrade or

migration (ISO 15489-1:2001). In the University, the different units have formulated

its own tools in finding records. Table 15 summarizes the finding aids used by the

top-level offices in accessing their records.

Table 15

Finding Aids used by UP units

Units Index

Cards Inventory

Compiled

Guides

Computer-

aided

Program

Knowledge

of the Files Others

OP x x x / / Logbook,

DTS, ERMS

OSU / / / / / Logbook,

DTS, ERMS

UPD x / / / / DTS

UPLB x x x / / DTS

UPLB

RMO / / / / / DTS

UPM x x x x / Folder label

UPV x x x x /

UPOU x x x x /

UPMin x x x x /

UPB x x x / /

UPCebu x x / / /

The common finding aid used by the subject units is the use of computer in

tracking records. The respondents considered the use of computer as the most

efficient way amongst all the listed tools. But respondents also shared their

reservations in using this tool such as DTS. Most of them admitted that because of

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84

the lack of documentation, guide and proper training, their use of DTS is far beyond

perfect.

Another daunting fact is that most of the offices without reliable finding aids

are relying heavily on their knowledge of the records to find it. This practice may

cause several records problems like loss of records, and the inability to provide the

final version of an amended record, the latest version of an updated record, and other

relevant records on the given search topic.

The subject units, being the main records units of their respective campuses,

are frequently asked for records. This being said, the units have devised their own

system to manage this function. Table 16 provides a glimpse on the systems used by

the subject units in accommodating request for records. Table 17 shows the systems

used by UP in tracking active and on loan records.

Many of the respondents shared that in the past, they let other offices borrow

or loan the records. But because of the absence of a reliable system to track down

records, most of the time, they forget about the transaction and the records are never

returned to them. They learned their lesson and their current practice is to provide

the requestor a photocopy of the record and return the original to its storage. As seen

in Tables 16 and 17, only OSU, UPD-OC and UPLB-RMO have a system for

loaning of records. Their guides in handling request for records are detailed in their

manual of operation (OSU’s and UPD’s are yet for finalization). UPLB-RMO’s

manual of operations covers charging out of records, charging in returned records,

refiling borrowed records, and following up borrowed records (see Figure 12).

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Table 16

Accommodation of Records Request in UP

Units Borrower's

Slips

Receipt

Slips Others

OP x x Letter-request then provide photocopy or

scanned copy (e-file)

OSU x x Letter-request then provide photocopy with

OSU stamp or certified true copy stamp

UPD / / Letter-request

UPLB x x Provide photocopy

UPLB

RMO / x

With established loaning system, use of charge-

out card.

UPM x x Provide photocopy

UPV x x Logbook then provide photocopy

UPOU x x Logbook, recollection, provide photocopy

UPMin x x Logbook, provide photocopy

UPB x x Provide photocopy

UPCebu x x Logbook, provide photocopy

Figure 12. Forms used by UPLB-RMO for on loan records

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Table 17

Tracking System for Active and/or On Loan UP Records

Units Recall

Slip

Follow-

up Slip

Tickler

Slip

Computer-

aided

System

Others

OP x x x / DTS, EDMS, Logbook

OSU x x x / DTS, EDMS, Logbook

UPD / / x / DTS

UPLB x x x / DTS

UPLB

RMO / x x /

File control slip

UPM x x x / DTS

UPV x x x x Logbook

UPOU x x x x Logbook, notebook notes

UPMin x x x x Logbook

UPB x x x x When someone followed-up;

notes on the table; logbook,

reminder from the Chancellor

UPCebu x x x x Logbook

The release of confidential records is also a major consideration. Almost all

units have no clear guidelines on how to process requests concerning confidential

records. These sensitive records must be managed by the units judiciously to protect

the records personnel, the office and the entire University. The respondents

mentioned that release of confidential record is upon the approval of the head of unit

through the letter-request sent by the requesting party.

Like other records management processes, most UP units have no

documentation on the use and tracking of documents. The records personnel are

using the practice they deem fit and appropriate for the record. Most of the offices

also utilize their DTS in action-tracking and location-tracking of records.

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Implementation of Disposition

Retention and disposition is an important records management process to

keep the institution away from the different records-related issues. One way to

initiate the implementation of records retention and disposition schedule is the

regular conduct of records inventory and appraisal. This gives the records personnel

overview of the current holdings of the office and the status of each record. When

asked about records inventory and appraisal, many of the respondents said that they

have no regular schedule. Most of the units are not aware of the records inventory

and appraisal form created and recommended by NAP.

OSU, UPD-OC and UPLB-RMO shared that they inventory records annually.

Respondents from OP and UPM-OC mentioned that they inventory records without

regular schedule, it is usually done as the need arises. Respondent from UP Baguio

shared that when she came aboard in 1996, she attempted to inventory records to

familiarize herself with the records of the office. She was able to come up with a list

of record folders. She added that she plans to conduct the same procedure when her

schedule permits her. It is unfortunate that the electronic file of this list was

accidentally deleted during her computer upgrade.

Respondents from OSU, UPLB-OC, UPLB-RMO, and UPB-OC are

complying with the GRDS of NAP, agency RDS, and rules/guidelines approved by

the agency relating to records retention and disposition. All the other units shared

that records retention and disposition is based on their personal assessment and

experience. It is also very important for UP to have its own records retention and

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disposition schedule for its unique records, which should be patterned after NAP’s

GRDS. This schedule should be endorsed to NAP for approval.

Table 18 reflects the reasons for records retention of the 11 subject units. It

shows that all of the respondents keep records that concern the past and present

decisions of the institution, to make it available as part of the institutional memory,

and to provide information for decisions and activities in the present and in the

future. Except for UPV, all units also keep records as evidence of the past and

present activities to meet accountability obligations. Also noticeable is that most

units do not implement RDS to dispose valueless records as early as possible. It was

earlier mentioned that the respondents are not considering records disposition as an

important solution to the many records issues that they are experiencing.

The findings on the implementation of records and disposition of records in

the University may sound alarming but the records personnel are able to work around

this poor practice. The most common solution in the University is by refraining from

disposing of any record, as shown in Table 18. This is a common practice in the

young campuses like UPOU-OC, UPMin-OC, UPB-OC and UP Cebu. The records

personnel from said campuses admitted their hesitation to dispose any record fearing

they might just dispose vital records. Valueless records are not clearly defined

making it harder for records personnel to decide on the retention and disposition. In

exceptional cases, record destruction is conducted upon instruction from the head of

unit.

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Table 18

Purposes of Records Retention and Disposition Schedule in UP

Purposes of RDS in UP

Units

OP

OS

U

UP

D

UP

LB

UP

LB

RM

O

UP

M

UP

V

UP

OU

UP

Min

UP

B

UP

Ceb

u

Retaining information concerning the

past and present decisions as part of the

institutional memory and information

about decisions and activities in the

present and in the future

/ / / / / / / / / / /

Retaining evidence of the past and

present activities to meet accountability

obligations / / / / / / x / / / /

Eliminating as early as possible and in an

authorized and systematic manner,

records which are no longer required for

the operations and activities of the office

/ x / / / x x / x / x

Retaining the context of the records

which will enable future users to judge

the authenticity and reliability, even in

cases where records systems in which

they are retained have undergone

significant changes

/ / / / / / x / / / x

Identifying the enforceable or legitimate

interest that stakeholders may have in

preserving the records for longer than

they are required by the office itself

/ / / / / / x / / / x

Identifying and assessing legal, financial,

political, social, or other positive gains

for preserving records to serve the

interest of research and the society

/ / / / / x x / / / /

Respondent from OSU shared that because of the success of their eOSU

Project, the office is now ready to dispose records by transferring non-active records

to the University Archives and Records Depository (UARD) of the UP Main Library

(see Figure 13). With consent from the Secretary of the University, the records

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officer is now scheduling transfer of several labelled boxes to the library. Records

with age 10 years and up, and are converted to e-records are now being processed for

transfer using their records transfer form. The records transfer form are also

digitized and filed to the ERMS for easy searching. However, the respondent shared

that this process is not discussed in detail in their draft manual of operations.

Figure 13. OSU records for transfer to the

University Archives and Records Depository (UARD)

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Like OSU, ULPB-RMO has an established and documented transfer process

for non-active records. The guidelines are included in their manual of operations,

listing all the steps needed to accomplish the transfer. Figure 14 presents the records

transfer procedures of UPLB-RMO.

Figure 14. UPLB-RMO’s records transfer procedure

Documentation of the Records Management Processes

Documentation of the established policies, practices and procedures is

another important consideration in records management. Documentation can address

various issues on the diverse practices throughout the University which facilitates

easy dissemination and review of the established practices.

It was frequently mentioned in the earlier sections that most of the subject

units have no documentation on how records are managed, except for UPLB-RMO,

OSU and UPD-OC. UPLB-RMO has Manual of Operations and Procedure which

was formalized in 2004. OSU and UPD-OC have drafted their manual of operations

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and policy which are for finalization and approval of the heads of units. These

documents describe some selected processes and procedures on records

management. ISO 15489 suggests that institutions should comprehensively

document every records management processes. This should also be the aim of UP,

to religiously document every endeavor on records management to build up the

necessary foundation on its standardization.

It was mentioned in Chapter II that several committees in 1970s and 1980s

had studied the records management in the University. Recommendations were also

formulated by said committees. However, the researcher was only able to obtain the

copy of the 1981 committee report. This is one of the unfortunate cases of records

loss in the University. If only the University had strictly implemented the

recommendations of the committees, no vital record would have been lost and will

rather be preserved for future references. Those references are good starting point

for researches like this paper.

Use of Records Management Tools

A well-established records management practice needs support through the

use of appropriate records management tools. Some of the respondents from OP,

UPOU, UPMin, UP Baguio and UP Cebu admitted that though they have on file the

listed records management tools in Table 19, they hardly consult it in their daily

recordkeeping tasks. Other existing records management tools used in the

University are listed in Table 19.

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Table 19

Records Management Tools Used by UP

Units Records Management Tools

OP Draft manual on use of EDMS, outdated master list of files and

folders, NAP GRDS

OSU Draft manual of operation, file classification scheme, NAP GRDS

UPD

Draft records management policy, draft manual of operations, draft

manual on digitization of records, NAP GRDS, records inventory and

appraisal, various forms to document daily operations

UPLB None

UPLB-RMO

File classification scheme/guide, indexing guide, records inventory

and appraisal guide, NAP GRDS, agency RDS, requisition and

charge-out procedure in issuing records, Manual of Operations and

Procedures, various forms to document daily operations

UPM None

UPV None

UPOU File classification scheme/guide

UPMin PRMA controlled vocabulary, PRMA RDS, PRMA records

classification

UPB Outdated master list of files and folders

UPCebu File classification scheme/guide, NAP GRDS

Only UPLB-RMO has a formal manual of operations for records

management. The manual of operations of OSU and UPD-OC are now being

finalized. Ideally, every UP unit must have a manual on how to deal with records,

but a common program or manual will surely help the entire University in dealing

with records. Documenting the records management practices of the University will

ensure continued business operations in spite of changes in the institution.

It was initially planned to get copies of all the records management tools used

by the UP units, but because most of these documents are yet for finalization, there

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were records personnel who hesitated the release of a copy. But the respondents

allowed the researcher to read on the draft manual and tools.

Monitoring and Auditing

ISO 15489 prescribed the conduct of monitoring and auditing of the

management of records to ensure compliance with the organization’s established

standards, ensure that records will be accepted as evidence in a court of law, if

required, and improve the organization’s performance. RA 9470 also suggested

every government unit to have a records management improvement committee, an

advisory body on the development of records management. NAP is also mandated to

conduct periodic inspection of records holdings of government offices every five

years. But according to the records personnel of the top-level offices of the

University, they have not received any related request from NAP. NAP should

endeavor to perform its mandates so as to set as the role model in standardizing of

records management.

The researcher found out that none of the subject units has an established

monitoring and auditing program within their campuses. Hence, none has conducted

a recent audit nor devised an audit tool. But it was highlighted in the earlier sections

of this chapter that UP Mindanao constituted a Records Management Team 2014-

2015 which is tasked to:

1. Recommend policies and guidelines for the proper classification,

maintenance, and disposition of all records in the University;

2. Establish a University Records Management and archiving

System;

3. Recommend the best possible ways to store and preserve

University records; and,

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4. Develop a University Records Management and Archiving

Manual. (Memorandum No. SBC 2014-045, Concepcion, 2014)

In Chapter II, the researcher narrated the efforts of the University to review

the current state of the records management in the University, but those were in late

1970s. ISO 15489 suggested monitoring and auditing “regularly at intervals agreed

and set down in the organization’s records management policy” (ISO 15489-2:2001,

p. 22) while RA 9470 specifically prescribed to conduct such procedure every 5

years. The constitution of a standing committee on UP’s records management will

ensure regular monitor and audit.

Audit also helps the institution to deter the violation of any regulatory

environment and legislation on records management. Like for the case of UP, a

number of respondents (UPM-OC, UPLB-OC, UPV-OC, UPMin-OC, and UP Cebu)

stated that they are not aware that of records-related offenses are punishable under

the law. Article V of the RA 9470 states that:

a person who willfully or negligently damages a public records or

disposes of or destroys a public record other than in accordance with

the provisions of RA 9470 or contravenes or fails to comply with

any provision of said Act shall be deemed to have committed an

offense. (Official Gazette, 2009, p. 1728)

Moreover, Rule 15 of Article 15 states that said offenses are punishable by:

a fine of not less than Five Hundred Thousand Pesos

(PhP500,000.00) but not exceeding One Million Pesos

(PhP1,000,000.00) or be imprisoned for not less than five (5) years

but not more than fifteen (15) years and/or both fine and

imprisonment at the discretion of the court without prejudice to the

filing of administrative charges that would result to such public

officer’s perpetual disqualification from public service, and

forfeiture, in favor of the government of his salary and other lawful

income. (Official Gazette, 2009, p. 1728)

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Compliance with the regulatory environment and legislation must be

considered to protect UP personnel and the University as well. Punishments for

records-related offenses are implacable for anyone to disregard the importance of an

effective records management. The disregard of the record personnel of UP on

records management monitoring and audit might be attributed to their ignorance of

the cited legal punishments. The conduct of training workshops for records

personnel will help in the dissemination of such important information.

Training

Training on records management is not only for personnel with

recordkeeping tasks, it covers all personnel of the institution with any kind of

responsibility for records. ISO 15489 suggests that institutions should have training

programs that promote wide understanding about records management functions and

its benefits. Tailor fitting of training program according to the needs of a particular

group or staff member ensures the effectivity of the training (ISO 15489-2:2001).

Having said this, pursuance of training programs mean that institution should

allocate budget for it. Inclusion of training programs in the annual budget of an

institution makes records personnel feel that they are valued, hence motivation to

enhance and develop their potentials are achieved.

NAP has been an active partner of every government units, as well as private

institutions, in training records personnel. One of the functions of the NAP is to

“conduct training programs on records and archives management including the

establishment of an archival system of both public and private sectors” (IRR of RA

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9470, p. 10). Through the years, NAP has been offering different training programs

for all records personnel in the Philippines. They have been diligently disseminating

these training programs to all concerned records personnel. A number of records

personnel of UP have attended a series of trainings and seminars of NAP.

Respondents from UPLB-OC, UPM-OC and UP Cebu shared that since their

assignment to recordkeeping tasks, they have yet to attend any formal training on

records management. They added that basic training on handling records would

greatly help them in performing their record related tasks. As for other units,

respondents delightedly mentioned that their administrators are very supportive of

their desire to learn. They also added that they plan to attend advance trainings on

management of e-records, current innovations and trends in records management,

and the likes. All the respondents expressed their inclination towards a regular

training schedule. Most of the time, they are sent to training only after a year or after

a few years because they wait until new training modules are offered.

It is also worth mentioning that in UP Diliman, trainings and interventions

are offered by the UP School of Library and Information Studies (SLIS) to share

their expertise on archiving and records management. SLIS is currently providing

assistance to the different units of UP Diliman by conducting trainings for the

records personnel and by improving the records management practices of the units.

This effort should be reinforced by the administration and replicated throughout the

campuses to initiate the establishment of a training program for UP’s records

personnel.

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Though NAP and other agencies have been active partners of the University

in developing the learning and skills of the staff, a program coordinator for UP can

help ensure that appropriate training programs are available to all personnel of UP

with regular schedule. The training program coordinator will communicate the

needs of UP personnel to NAP and other similar agencies and come up with a regular

training schedule. Budgetary allocation for this program may also be managed

effectively because of the dedication and expertise of the assigned coordinator.

Electronic Records in UP

With the implementation of eUP, various units of UP are obliged to learn

how to manage electronic records. Many of the UP offices are now starting to

digitize their records not only because of the office requirement but also to solve

their need for more physical records storage area. However, the implementation of

electronic records management must be grounded in the basic principles of the

existing records management program of an institution. Since UP has no established

program yet, the management of electronic records is a very crucial endeavor.

Table 20 tabulates the mechanisms used by the subject units in managing

electronic records. Five out of the eleven subject units (UPLB-OC, UPM-OC, UPV-

OC, UPB-OC and UP Cebu) are still not ready to manage electronic records.

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Table 20

Electronic Records Management in UP

Units Digital

Storage

Hardware and

Software

Requirements

Backup

Systems

Maintenance

Process Manpower

OP / / / / x

OSU / / / / x

UPD / / / / x

UPLB x x x x x

UPLB

RMO / / / / /

UPM x x x x x

UPV x x x x x

UPOU / / / x x

UPMin / / / / x

UPB x x x x x

UPCebu x x x x x

Among the units with an established electronic records management

program, UPLB-RMO has the most comprehensive program (see Figure 15). This

digitization project started since 2011. It is manned by 6 contractual staff members

and supervised the senior records officers of UPLB-RMO. The budget is requested

annually from the Chancellor of UPLB upon submission of a progress report. Also,

this project is well-documented but not yet part of their manual of operations.

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Figure 15. Electronic records management in UPLB-RMO

The program consists of the following procedures: grooming, scanning,

extracting, storing, and indexing. The office uses three heavy-duty scanners which

scans 500-800 pages a day. It also has the appropriate back-up system with five

external hard drives which are kept in their different records storage centers. Reports

General files cataloging system for UPLB-

RMO’s records

Prepping process for records scanning

Back-up systems for

UPLB-RMO’s electronic records

UPLB-RMO’s electronic records manager program

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generation and search functions are enabled through the software called the

Automated Document Management System. According to respondents from UPLB-

RMO, the project is only available via intranet. UPLB has no plans yet for the full

implementation of the project. This serves as a good benchmark and should be

reviewed if the University plans to standardize its electronic records management.

OP and OSU are now utilizing an electronic document management system

(EDMS) called Laserfiche to manage its electronic records. Both offices have no

formal documentation of the project, but OP has crafted draft guide. Back-up

systems and maintenance are in place but lack maturity. Maintenance is through the

eUP Team but the respondents believe that the team needs expert training to

maximize the full potential of Laserfiche. Manpower is yet another issue as a

dedicated staff member to focus on this initiative is a necessity. At present, the

current records personnel of the subject units are also the ones in-charge of the

project.

Aside from the Laserfiche Project, OSU also launched its eOSU Project (see

Figure 16). OSU is now maintaining a website where the office uploads the scanned

copy of the BOR decisions or the UP Gazette. Records from 1970s are available for

download in the website of OSU. A search function is also available in the website.

The records are uploaded and downloaded in searchable PDF formats.

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Figure 16. The eOSU Project

The University should be wary about the implementation of electronic

records management as the number of records issues faced by UP in managing its

paper records might be carried to the electronic records as well. Before getting into

the full implementation of e-records management, the administration should first

focus on addressing the current issues on paper records.

Management of Archival Records in UP

After review and inventory of the records, the usual practice of the subject

units is to transfer all archival records to their respective libraries. The archival

records are usually arranged in a box with appropriate label, according to some

respondents. As a documentation of such transfer, offices make use of their own

version of a transfer list form.

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As discussed in Chapter II, on 7 June 1974, President Salvador Lopez

designated the University Library as the Archives of the University which formalized

and standardized the handling of archival records of the University. This may be the

basis of the respondents for sending their archival records to their libraries. The

respondent did not mention this directive or any directive for such practice. As

mentioned earlier, the records created and captured by the subject units are

considered vital records as it serve as basis for major decision making in the

University. It is in this light that the records personnel of the subject units ask the

expertise of the librarians in managing such important records. Some UP units

perform minor archival tasks, like in UPD-OC. UPD-OC respondent shared that he

does preservation methods for some archival records but admits that he prefers

sending it to the librarians for expert handling.

Reinforcing the 1974 directive will ensure a standard management of archival

records in UP. This is very important to preserve the identity of UP as embodied by

the records.

UP’s Compliance with the General Provisions of ISO 15489 and RA 9470

The self-audit tool crafted by the researcher based on the best practices stated

in ISO 15489 and RA 9470 enables the assessment of the compliance of the

University with the international and national records management standards. The

self-audit tool was applied to every unit. A general summary was also drawn for

better appreciation of the result (see Appendix I).

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The University achieved an overall compliance rating of only 13%. The

following units got the highest ratings: UPLB-RMO got 52%, OSU got 28%, and

UPD-OC with 17%. The rest of the subject units got less than 10% compliance

ratings.

It is also worth noting that 24% partial compliance rating was achieved by the

University. UP may prioritize the fulfillment of the lacking requirements for

eventual compliance of these provisions. The review of UP’s partial compliance

would help increase the compliance rating of the University.

The self-audit tool also highlighted the 63% overall non-compliance rating of

the University. UPM-OC and UPV-OC yielded more than 80% non-compliance

which is very alarming. This suggests that the UP’s records management is in

distressing state, particularly in said campuses.

The following provisions are highly achieved by the UP units: use of logbook

or equivalent system to record all official records in chronological order with 100%

compliance; allocation of storage for non-current record with 73% compliance; and

for recently sending records personnel to a training program with 64% compliance

rating. Despite these high ratings, the earlier discussions revealed that UP units have

varying records registration practices, inadequate records storage and no established

training program for its records personnel.

Out of the 46 major provisions listed in the self-audit tool, UP failed to meet

7 provisions of the ISO 15490 and RA 9470. All units failed to comply with the

following provisions:

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1. design and implementation a records system to carry out and support the

records management processes of the institution;

2. existence of rules in the proper turnover of records to successor/NAP;

3. separation of records for disposal from those for further retention as

suggested by NAP;

4. existence of a disaster recovery plan for records;

5. conduct of a self-audit / review of records management practices;

6. establishment of a preservation program for archival records; and,

7. provision for the regular review of training needs of personnel in-charge

of records.

It is very unfortunate that even the basic and most important best practices on

records management are not performed by the records personnel of UP’s top-level

offices. This mirrors the current skills and competencies of the records personnel of

the University which are way below the accepted standards on records management.

Detailed result of the self-audit tool is presented in Appendix I-A.

As presented and discussed in the earlier sections, the researcher surmises

that the common reason for non-compliance of the records personnel is mainly

because of their unfamiliarity with the best practices prescribed by the ISO 15489

and RA 9470. This fact is also shown in the self-audit tool as the University got 0%

for observance and familiarity with any regulatory environment related to records

management. It would be best if UP administration could prioritize the training of

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the records personnel before any grand effort to improve and standardize the

practice.

Common Records Problems in UP

After presenting the current status of the records management practices in the

University, this section describes the perceived status of and difficulties on the

records management in UP. The results presented here are answers from the main

respondents, heads of units and selected records clients of the University.

Most of the heads of units answered that they are not satisfied on how the UP

units handle their records. The President of the University, the head of the entire

institution, also expressed his discontent about the records management practices of

the University. The chancellors of UP Diliman, UP Los Baños, UP Manila, and UP

Mindanao, as well as the Dean of UP Cebu also shared the same observation as the

President’s. Only four heads (Secretary of the University, and the Chancellors of UP

Visayas, UP Open University and UP Baguio) said that they are satisfied on the

records management practices in UP. These feedback from the heads of units sustain

the findings of the earlier committees which highlighted the poor state of records

management in UP.

Shown in Table 24 are the perceived records issues of the heads of unit. Note

that only two heads said that they see no records issues in the University, particularly

in their offices, as compared to the four satisfied heads which is mentioned earlier.

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Table 21

Perceived Records Issues Of Heads of Units

Units Common Records Management Issues

OP Missing records; Misrouted records; Difficulty in

retrieving/accessing records; Skills of the staff

OSU None

UPD Difficulty in retrieving/accessing records; Difficult prioritization:

"urgent" label used on nearly everything

UPLB Missing records, Misrouted records, Difficulty in

retrieving/accessing records, Skills of the staff

UPM Missing records; Misrouted records; Difficulty in

retrieving/accessing records; Skills of the staff

UPV Missing records, Misrouted records, Difficulty in

retrieving/accessing records

UPOU None

UPMin Misrouted records; Difficulty in retrieving/accessing records; Skills

of the staff

UPB Skills of the staff (at least some)

UP Cebu Slow routing or lack of knowledge on current status of action taken

on records

Notice that two out of four satisfied heads have something to share about

their perceived records issues. This may suggest that the heads maybe satisfied on

how their offices manage records but still notice some inevitable records issues

caused by the current state of records management in the University, like the issue

raised by the Chancellor of UP Diliman regarding the difficulty in prioritization of

records. He raised that almost all records received by his office are marked urgent.

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This again highlights the problems in the records system of the University,

particularly in routing of records.

The main respondents were asked to rate the following perceived records

issues in storage and retrieval of records, perceived causes of the issues, and the

current status of UP’s records management. Scores should be from 5 to 1 (5 –

strongly agree, 4 – agree, 3 – neutral, 2 – disagree, 1 – strongly disagree). The

results are surprising as the means of the results are generally at the rate of 3 which

means that the respondents are more likely to be neutral in all the listed issues and

situations. However, OP, UPM-OC, UPMin-OC, and UPB-OC confirmed that

records issues on storage and retrieval are currently present in their offices (see Table

22). Six out of the 11 units answered that because old records are not destroyed at

the right time, records issues on storage and retrieval are aggravated. This is another

interesting finding as it was earlier mentioned that records disposition and retention

is not a considered a solution on the inadequate records storage. But yet, majority of

the records personnel admitted that improper RDS is one of the causes of records

issues.

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Table 22

Common Difficulties Experienced in Storage and Retrieval of Records

Common Difficulties in Storage and

Retrieval of Records

Units

Mea

n

OP

OS

U

UP

D

UP

LB

UP

LB

RM

O

UP

M

UP

V

UP

OU

UP

Min

UP

B

UP

Ceb

u

records sought have been lost,

destroyed, or misarranged 5 1 3 5 2 4 3 1 4 3 4 3

records retrieval tools such as

inventories, indexes, and lists, are

inefficient

5 1 1 3 1 4 3 3 5 5 5 3

old records are not destroyed at the right

time 3 3 4 1 4 4 5 3 5 5 1 3

there are some hindrances to attaining

records 4 1 3 4 2 4 3 1 5 5 2 3

filing system is not efficient 5 1 1 4 1 4 3 1 4 1 3 3

Mean per unit 4 1 2 3 2 4 3 2 5 4 3

Many respondents gave conservative rates for their perceived causes of

records issues. Many disagree that issues are due to superiors’ disregard of their

recordkeeping tasks. But a number of respondents agreed that the inefficiency of the

records management system, problematic retrieval of appropriate records, and the

problematic behavior of other workers aggravate the current records issues in their

offices (see Table 23). Only three units admitted that the listed entries are the

common causes of records issues. None of the respondents shared a different

perceived causes of UP records issues.

All the five selected records clients of the University answered that they are

satisfied with UP’s records management but expressed the presence of the following

records issues: hostile records managers/staff, absence of a standard practice, poor

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records retrieval skills - delay in providing requested records, and records provided

sometimes don’t meet their stated criteria/requirements. These observations must be

considered and addressed by the University as these reflect the services provided by

UP to their stakeholders.

Table 23

Perceived Causes of Records Problems in UP

Perceived Causes of Records Problems

Units

Mea

n

OP

OS

U

UP

D

UP

LB

UP

LB

RM

O

UP

M

UP

V

UP

OU

UP

Min

UP

B

UP

Ceb

u

Managers sometimes do not pay enough

attention to our work 2 3 4 3 1 2 3 1 3 1 1 2

Ineffective bureaucracy and slow

communication channels 4 3 3 4 1 4 3 1 3 1 3 3

Inefficiency of the records management

system used for formal communication 4 5 2 1 1 4 3 1 4 3 5 3

Retrieval of required records can be

problematic 4 4 3 1 1 4 3 1 5 3 4 3

Problematic behavior of other workers 4 4 3 1 2 3 3 1 5 2 2 3

Mean per unit 4 4 3 2 1 3 3 1 4 2 3

Table 24 shows that majority of the units agreed that the administrative and

legal regulations of UP are enough to support the smooth business processes of the

University. But still, a few respondents signified their confirmation that records

management in the University is poorly implemented. Note that four units agreed

that the current records management of UP is running smoothly and six units

signified their impartiality. Only UPLB-OC stated its dissatisfaction on the

University’s handling of records.

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111

Table 24

Perceived Status of Records Management in UP

Perceived Status of Records Management

in UP

Units

OP

OS

U

UP

D

UP

LB

UP

LB

RM

O

UP

M

UP

V

UP

OU

UP

Min

UP

B

UP

Ceb

u

Mea

n

The institution's administrative system is

operating without problems. 2 5 2 5 1 2 3 5 1 4 4 3

There are no communication and

coordination problems between managers

and their subordinate staff.

3 5 3 3 1 2 3 5 3 4 5 3

There are no communication and

coordination problems among the staff. 3 5 3 1 3 2 3 5 2 4 3 3

Administrative and legal regulations are

adequate to support the smooth running of

the work processes within your working

unit.

3 5 2 3 5 5 3 5 3 2 4 4

The records management system is effective

and efficient for formal communication,

legal requirements, and decision making in

my university.

3 5 1 2 5 4 3 5 3 3 5 3

Mean per unit 3 4 3 2 4 3 3 4 3 3 4

In summary, the pre-identified records issues in Chapter I are confirmed to be

the same perceived records issues of the respondents of the study. The absence of a

standard records management program, ignorance on the benefits of effective records

management program, hostile and confused records managers, poor storage and

retrieval practice, and weak motivation to move forward are concomitant to the

major records issues in the University. The records personnel may be impartial to

the listed issues but still this impartiality tells that they could not agree that records

management in UP is running effectively and efficiently.

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112

The following are the proposed solutions of selected records clients of the

University to address the current records issues:

Standardization of the records management practices.

Common tools like thesaurus, classification, indexes, and the likes,

should also be considered in standardizing the program.

Professional and permanent staff should handle the records/archives of

the UP units.

Records staff with proper training will surely help in the standardization

of records management practices.

Aside from the training of records personnel, training all the

administrators and other staff of the University will be a good approach.

Since eUP is now part of the business process of the University,

electronic records management must be studied before full

implementation and should also be founded from the basic principles of a

sound paper-based records management program.

All these suggestions are considered in coming up with recommendations

laid out in Chapter V.

Support Towards a Standard UP Records Management Program

UP has been very active in standardizing some of its business practices

throughout its campuses. At present, the University has ongoing study to standardize

its diploma and grading system. It already launched the UP DTS which standardizes

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113

the tracking system of the UP units and implemented eUP to have a common

platform for information management of student academic information, human

resources information, financial, supplies procurement and campus management, and

executive information. These are all in support of President Pascual’s OneUP

initiative. In line with these efforts, it is also timely to plan about the standardization

of records management in UP.

A way to address the low compliance rating and the many records issues is

through the standardization of the records management practices in the University.

This effort should be done collectively and should also consider inputs from all the

stakeholders of the University for a comprehensive output. The standardization

effort should capture not only the best practices prescribed by the regulatory

environment but also the established best practices of the units of the University,

hence collaboration is very important.

At present, minor efforts to regulate some recordkeeping functions are in

place. UP Manila’s Central Contact Point (CPC) Project in 2012 helps the campus in

addressing issues on misrouted and missing records. It also standardized the

receiving and releasing function of the entire campus. This project is UP Manila’s

initial step in the major standardization of records management. According to UPM-

OC’s respondents, there is a pending plan for a standard program for its records. UP

Mindanao also took preliminary steps to initiate the standardization effort. It

recently constituted a Records Management Team (RMT) in 2014.

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UPLB-RMO also mentioned their initiatives to share their experiences in

standardizing the recordkeeping functions. They are tapped by UP Mindanao as

resource persons by the RMT to help them in formulation of the team’s output which

is due in July 2015. The chief records officer of the RMO also shared that they also

went to UP Baguio, and plans to visit other campuses of the University as well. She

also added that they had tried to reach out to UP administration through the Office of

the Vice President for Administration to help the University in standardizing its

records management, but they have yet to receive any reply (A. Talatala, personal

communication, 30 April 2015). They plan to resend the letter but this time course

directly to the President.

In the formulation of a records management program for UP, the earlier

efforts to study and standardize records management in the different units must be

accounted. This is the reason why documentation is very important in this endeavor.

As required by ISO 15489, UP being a system of universities and college

should exert utmost effort to review the business operations in order to determine the

needs of the University in terms of records. The reports of the records management

committees in the past would have been a great help if only it was preserved and

made available for standardization efforts. The University should also put this effort

in its priority list to ensure completion and implementation. The skills of the

records personnel, the implementers, should also be a consideration and their full

support and motivation should be solicited.

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115

All the 32 respondents affirmed their support towards the standardization of

management of University records. Eight out of the 10 heads of units said that they

are willing to fund the standardization. Even the University President gave his

assurance to fully support such effort.

One of possible hurdles in the standardization of records management in UP

is the readiness and mindset of the UP stakeholders. An office or a committee must

be assigned to take the lead in this endeavor to ensure its success. In constituting a

committee, it is important that the records personnel, University’s archivists,

librarians, and experts from the School of Library and Information Studies in

Diliman must be included as members. Another hurdle would be the reconciliation

of diverse records management practices in the University. This would not be a

problem if the practices are well-documented.

This is not an easy task and may take a number of years before UP could

craft the appropriate standard program for its records. Thus interim solutions may be

devised like the formulation of records management, conduct of University-wide

records inventory, and creation of standard guides in dealing with UP records. It was

also opined by the OSU respondents that the standardization may be initiated in one

office or campus first before the university-wide implementation. This will fast-

track the standardization and may ensure greater chances of success.

Page 131: Assessment of Records Management in the University of the Philippines

CHAPTER V

SUMMARY, CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

After the presentation of results and analyses in Chapter IV, summary,

conclusions and recommendations on the current status of records management in

UP are laid out in this chapter.

Summary

The results of the data gathering showed that UP’s records management

practices are far beyond the best practices prescribed by ISO 15489 and RA 9470.

The University’s overall compliance rate is just 13% as measured by the self-audit

tool. The high rate of non-compliance (63%) calls for UP to study and adopt the best

practices prescribed by the two regulations. This low compliance rating was

supported by the number of issues raised by the stakeholders of UP.

In spite of the absence of a standard program, some UP records offices/units

have met a number of provisions of the ISO and RA. UPLB-RMO got 52%, OSU

got 28% and UPD-OC achieved 17% compliance ratings. These offices performed

well in managing its records compared with the other top-level offices in UP.

Reviewing and sharing the established best practices of these units throughout the

campuses will help achieve higher compliance rating and may also expedite the

standardization of records management in the University.

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117

Principal Findings of the Study

On UP’s Compliance with ISO 15489 and RA 9470

The self-audit tool measured UP’s overall compliance rating with ISO 15489

and RA 9470 at only 13%. The highest compliance rating was achieved by UPLB-

RMO with 52%, followed by OSU with 28% and UPD-OC with 17%. The least

compliant units were UPV-OC and UPB-OC with 4% and UP Cebu with only 2%

compliance ratings.

In all the listed best practices in the self-audit tool, UP was able to achieve

100% compliance rating in only one aspect, particularly the use of logbook or

equivalent system in the registration of records. UP also accumulated a total

compliance rating of 73% for the allocation of storage for non-current record. The

University got 64% compliance rating for the recent attendance of its records

personnel at training programs. But despite high ratings on these practices UP still

needs to address a number of issues on these practices. Unfortunately, UP got 0% to

less than 50% compliance ratings for a number of entries in the self-audit tool.

Non-compliance of the University may be attributed to the non-familiarity of

records personnel with any regulations on records management, particularly the ISO

15489 and RA 9470. Although a number of the respondents said that they are aware

of said regulations, its provisions are still not implemented in the campus as

compliance is not a major concern of UP. Also, most records personnel are not

aware of the punishments under the law for records-related offenses.

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Only two records offices were officially created in the University. The

Office of the Secretary of the University and of the Board of Regents (OSU) was

created through the Charter of UP (RA 9500). The second one is the UPLB-RMO.

Additionally, only 2 out of 17 records personnel are holding records officer

positions. Except for respondents from OSU, UPD-OC, and UPLB-RMO, all the

other respondents perform records management tasks in addition to their regular

office workload.

The University has no prescribed program and policy in managing its

records. It has yet to design and implement a records system to carry out and support

its records management processes. Because of the absence of a standard program

and policy, units like OSU, UPD-OC and UPLB-RMO have crafted their own

manual and policy for their daily operations. These documents are deemed

necessary in crafting a comprehensive program and policy for UP. Other UP units

have no proper documentation of their procedures, rules, and practices in managing

their records thus relying heavily on their experiences and knowledge about the

records of the office.

On UP’s Records Management Practices and Tools

Majority of the records managed by the subject units are considered vital

records. But in spite of this, effective management of University records is

oftentimes neglected. Directives relating to records management are not observed

and strict compliance is not monitored in all units of the University.

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119

It was observed that some units have similar practices in managing its

records, particularly in controlling the creation of records. One evident example is

the use a letter-number code for the issuances of the heads of units. In records

registration, all subject units use logbooks and/or DTS. These systems are also

utilized to track and retrieve records. Two units are now using electronic document

management system (EDMS) which is a step up system compared to logbooks and

DTS.

Only 3 out of the eleven subject units (OSU, UPD-OC, and UPLB-RMO)

have file classification guides in place. Most of the respondents depend on their

listing of record folders or knowledge of the records which they have filed.

Almost all units, except for UPD-OC, expressed their records storage

problems. The steel cabinets, the common records storage facility in all units, are

almost full. Respondents are now using boxes placed on top of their desks/cabinets

to accommodate the fast growing numbers of records. A number of respondents said

that their records storage areas are not only for records but for other office stuff, they

used the term ‘bodega’ to describe their records storage areas. Only the respondent

from UPD-OC said that he has no issues on records storage as it was recently

renovated its office and a spacious records storage area was well-considered. To

resolve their records storage issues, UPLB-OC, UPLB-RMO and UPOU-OC

expressed their plan to renovate and add more records storage areas in their

respective offices.

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120

Except for OSU and UPLB-RMO, all other UP units have no established

records loaning system. Photocopies are given, instead of the original records, to

prevent records loss. The well-established UPLB-RMO’s loaning system is clearly

stated in its manual of operations.

Despite the inadequate records storage in UP, it has not transferred any of its

record holdings to NAP or any government agency and has no plan of transferring its

records yet. By practice, most of the units transfer their archival records to their

respective libraries for proper handling. This is done through their self-generated

transfer list form. The scheduled records inventory and appraisal every year, as

prescribed by ISO 15489 and RA 9470, is strictly observed by only three units -

OSU, UPD-OC and UPLB-RMO. Their records are also examined every year to

identify valueless records for disposal and transfer to the library. For other units, this

procedure is conducted only during free-time or as the need arises. Only UPLB-

RMO has an agency records retention and disposition schedule which is according to

NAP’s GRDS. Two other offices, OSU and UPD-OC, are implementing the GRDS

of NAP. Some records personnel are aware of NAP’s GRDS but they have yet to

dispose any record, particularly the young campuses like UPOU, UP Mindanao, UP

Baguio and UP Cebu. Again, these practices are not properly documented and the

units have no clear rules and procedures in conducting such transaction.

It was also revealed that UP has no disaster recovery plan for its records.

Even though the record holdings of the top-level offices are considered vital, the

administration fails to secure the preservation of these records. Procedures on

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preservation and restoration of records are also not available for archival records as

the respondents transfer the responsibility to the librarians. This may also be the

major reason why a number of vital records are lost in UP’s records system like the

highlighted untraceable studies on the records management in UP.

Records management tools are present in almost all subject units except for

UPLB-OC, UPM-OC and UPV-OC. But even with the presence of such tool,

records personnel still fail to consult it for a standard handling of records. Their

personal experience and knowledge on recordkeeping are mostly used in dealing

with records.

UP has yet to develop a training program for its records personnel. Some

records personnel shared that they have not attended training, even the basic ones. It

was proposed that UP should develop a training program for its records personnel,

and to include the administrators and other employees in the program. A training

program coordinator should also be appointed to monitor the administration of the

program in all UP units.

Some units are now managing electronic records. OP and OSU now use

Laserfiche as their EDMS program. Hardware requirement, back-up system and

maintenance are available but the offices are yet to finalize a manual on the

management of electronic records using Laserfiche. There are also discussions on

the possible adoption of Laserfiche into the eUP Project. UPD-OC and UPLB-RMO

use their self-acquired software to manage their electronic records. Among the four

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offices, UPLB-RMO has the most sophisticated electronic records management

system which is also well-documented.

RA 9470 imposed the constitution of a Records Management Improvement

Committee in all government units but UP has not constituted a standing committee

on the management of its records. Some committee efforts were documented in

1970s to 1980s but none during the current and past administrations. However, UP

Mindanao has constituted a records management team (ad-hoc) in 2014 which will

provide output this July 2015.

On Records Issues Confronted by UP

One clear evidence of the poor state of UP’s current records management is

the existence of records problems. The survey revealed that 6 out of the 10 heads of

units said that they are not satisfied on how the records personnel handle the

University records. They observed that records are sometimes missing or misrouted,

a number of records are difficult to retrieve and access, and the skills of the staff are

inadequate to address the records needs of the office. One chancellor even

highlighted the difficulty of the records personnel in terms of records prioritization

as almost all records are labelled urgent.

Additionally, majority of the records personnel opted to provide neutral

answers when asked about these current records issues. However, some respondents

confirmed that they are experiencing issues on records storage and retrieval,

primarily because ‘old records are not destroyed at the right time’. A number of

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123

respondents agreed that the inefficiency of records management and records retrieval

systems are their perceived causes of records issues in their offices.

All the five selected records clients of the University answered that they are

somehow satisfied with UP’s records management but highlighted some records

issues like hostile records managers/staff, absence of a standard practice, poor

records retrieval skills, and provision of inappropriate records. Records clients also

gave recommendations to address the current records issues in the University.

On Standardization of UP Records Management

All the 32 respondents said yes to the standardization of records management

in UP. Only two heads of units said that they are not ready to commit any financial

support to this standardization effort. It was highlighted that the President of the

University is willing to provide financial support, regardless of amount, for this

endeavor.

The study also discussed some minor efforts of the different units of UP to

temporary address the absence of a common records management program in the

University. However, the readiness of the UP stakeholders and the reconciliation of

diverse records management practices are some of the hurdles in the standardization

of records management in the University.

Conclusions

Given the findings listed above, the researcher concludes that there are

indeed problems in the current recordkeeping practices of the University and

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124

continuous neglect will put its vital records in peril. The study revealed that UP’s

records management is below the standards prescribed by ISO 15489 and RA 9470,

with only 13% compliance rating. This alarming result shows that in spite of the

findings presented by earlier studies, the University still fails to pursue the proposed

recommendations.

The study also highlighted the practices of the University in the different

records management processes. It is presumed that the University often discount the

importance of its records and its effective management. The absence of a central

records office, standard records management program and tools, training program for

records personnel, and collective and sustainable effort to standardize the

management of UP records are some of the bases for such assumption. The diverse

practices throughout the University is attributed to UP’s inability to document the

established practice. The continued negligence of the expert’s recommendations,

like the reports of the committees that studied the recordkeeping practices in UP, is

also a strong basis. It was even revealed that a number of archival records are lost in

the records system of the University. The problems cited in the 1980s are still

haunting the University up to this present time.

It was also revealed that the compliance with ISO 15489 and RA 9470 is not

a major concern of the University. Submission to these regulations is one best way

to standardize the handling of UP records. It was evident that UP’s records

personnel are unaware about the provisions of the two regulations and the benefits of

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125

a sound records management program. These are the main reasons for the high non-

compliance rating of the University with the best practices on records management.

A number of records issues were raised and discussed in the study. It is

recommended to standardize the program, to empower the records personnel, and to

craft common records management tools to resolve the cited issues. These issues

will never be resolved by deferring the identified solutions. The continued

negligence of these issues will jeopardize not only the vital records but the institution

as well. Appropriate approach and action should be undertaken as soon as possible.

A number of efforts to study and regulate some of UP’s records management

processes were highlighted in the study, but the efforts lack pursuance of

recommendations. Strict compliance is also not monitored. Budget wise, with the

commitment of the current administration, the University is ready to spin off its

standardization effort. Although all respondents said that they support UP’s

standardization of records management, some identified hurdles need to be addressed

first. The present capability of the records personnel will surely slow down the

process and the absence of a concrete basis for a standard records management for

UP is also one major hurdle in such endeavor.

Recommendations

As pointed out in the major findings and conclusions of the study, the

researcher recommends the following steps:

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126

Document the Records Management Practices

The absence of documentation on the current records management in UP

makes it difficult to initiate the standardization and improvements. Securing and

monitoring of proper documentation of established practices in the University will

enable reconciliation of diverse practices and improvement of the existing practices.

These should be promulgated to all concerned staff and must be monitored for

compliance and appropriate preservation for future use. Preservation of all available

documentations should also be guaranteed by the University.

Establishment of Records System, Program, and Tools, and Monitor Compliance

Another important aspect that UP fails to address is the effort to establish a

standard system, program, and tools. Formalization of records system, and records

management program and tools for use of all records personnel ensures regulation of

the process. Regular review of these must be in place. The tools should be made

accessible to all the staff performing recordkeeping tasks. Records retention and

disposition schedule for UP records should also be a vital part of the records

management tools of the University.

The conduct of an overall review of the business operations and processes,

and record holdings of the University should be a consideration for a comprehensive

records system and records management program. It must also be noted that archival

management must be closely linked with records management. A pilot run may be

considered before the grand implementation to cut down the cost considering the

vast and diverse UP campuses and units. The constitution of a body to audit and

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127

monitor UP’s records management must also be considered, as mandated by RA

9470.

The University may opt to identify the office/official who will take the lead

in this endeavor. A team would also be a good option.

Plan for the Establishment of a Central Records Office for UP

As mandated by law, UP should pursue the creation of a central records and

archives unit. Manpower and budgetary commitment from the government should

be included in the proposal. This plan should be intertwined to the establishment of

records system and program.

Review the Current Staffing Pattern and Recruitment Criteria for Records Personnel

The study highlighted the poor staffing pattern of the University which is one

of the main causes of records issues. The records personnel are mainly accountable

for the recordkeeping function in the University. They should be permanent staff

members. Change in records personnel staffing should be planned to avoid

interruption of the process. The establishment of a training program and designation

of a coordinator should be considered.

Provide Appropriate Records Management Facilities

Aside from manpower, facilities are another important aspects in records

management. It was discussed in this study that UP suffers from inadequate records

storage facilities. Given this, proper records storage areas should be addressed as

soon as possible to preserve the integrity of records. It is ideal to have a common

record center for all in-active records of all UP units. While the plan for additional

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records storage facilities is in the pipeline, the University should conduct a

comprehensive review of its record holdings to identify records for retention and

disposal/transfer. It would be helpful for every records personnel to be acquainted

with NAP’s GRDS. The University should also work towards the creation of its

agency records retention and disposition schedule.

Specialization of Future Studies on UP Records Management

This study provided a holistic assessment of the records management in UP.

However, this study is limited only to administrative records and respondents were

from top-level offices. Further studies focusing on each campus, records

management process, and record type would greatly help UP in building the

necessary documentation it will need to initiate the standardization effort.

UP’s has accumulated voluminous vital records over the years. These

records embody the memories of UP. Since 1970s, the earliest available

documentation on UP’s records management, it has been an issue on how UP can

effectively manage its numerous records. But until now, a comprehensive effort is

still in vain.

The University should not disregard the poor state of its records management

as the continuous existence and leadership of UP as the only national university in

the Philippines would only be secured through the help of an effective program for

its records. UP must move forward and at the same time ensure the preservation of

its identity.

Page 144: Assessment of Records Management in the University of the Philippines

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on 10 December 2014 from

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November 2014 from http://archives.govt.nz/sites/default/files/katec-03-

10.pdf.

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ures/NHSBSARM019_RM_Audit_Framework_V2_2014.pdf

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& Library Sciences, 33(1/2), 85-107.

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organisation", Records Management Journal, Vol. 17 Iss: 2, pp.82 – 93

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investigation”. Records Management Journal, Vol. 13 Iss. 2 pp. 70-82.

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Official Gazette. (2009). National Archives of the Philippines, p.1715-1740.

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Stephens, D.O. (2001). “The world’s first international records management

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Business Dictionary.com. Retrieved on 3 January 2015 from

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eUP Project. Retrieved on 15 January 2015 from http://e.up.edu.ph/

ISO 15489-1. (2001). Information and Documentation – Records Management – Part

1: General. Retrieved on15 December 2014 from

http://www.taoiseach.gov.ie/attached_files/Pdf%20files/30%20ISO.15489-

1%20-%20IRISH%20VERSION.pdf

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ISO 15489-2. (2001). Information and Documentation – Records Management – Part

2: Guidelines. Retrieved on 15 December 2014 from

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2%20-%20IRISH%20VERSION.pdf

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UP Gazette. (1976). Retrieved on 15 January 2015 from http://osu.up.edu.ph/the-up-

gazette/

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gazette/

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gazette/

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gazette/

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from http:// www.up.edu.ph

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Regents. Retrieved on 15 January 2015 from http:// osu.up.edu.ph

UP System Budget Office. (2013). U.P. Statistics 2013. Retrieved on 5 May 2015,

from http://www.up.edu.ph/wp-

content/uploads/2013/04/UP_StatBook_2013.pdf

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Guide/Manual. Retrieved on 5 May 2015 from

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mgmt/faqs/general.html#whatrm

Page 149: Assessment of Records Management in the University of the Philippines

Objective: To provide an overview of the records management practices in UP as compared with the provisions of ISO 15489 and RA 9470.Scope: Administrative record holdings of the top-level offices/records offices in UPMethodology:Survey questionnaire, interview and site visitUnit : UP System Date:Note: The best practices listed below are from the provisions of ISO 15489 and RA 9470. For detailed desciption, please refer to per unit self-audit sheet.Legend: C - Compliant, P - Partial compliance, N - non-compliant

1Observance of regulatory environment related to records management (e.g. ISO 15489, RA 9470) N P P N P N N N N N N 0% 27% 73%

2Use of approved / established records management tools (e.g. classification and filing guides, vocabulary controls, indexing, allocation of number and code)

N P P N Y N N P N N P 9% 36% 55%

3Has an official records and archives office / unit approved by NAP and DBM P Y P P Y N N N N N N 18% 27% 55%

4 Appointed qualified records officer/records custodian and archivist N Y P N Y N N N N N N 18% 9% 73%

5 Constituted a Records Management Improvement Committee N N N N N N N N P N N 0% 9% 91%

6 Established a comprehensive records management program N P P N P N N N N N N 0% 27% 73%

7

Has a records management policy adopted and endorsed at the highest decision-making level and promulgated throughout the organization, with schedule of regular review

N P P N P N N N N N N 0% 27% 73%

8 Has manuals of instructions/operations on records management P P P N Y N N N N N N 9% 27% 64%

9Documented the responsibilities of each records personnel and all other employees of the institution who perform tasked related to management of records

N P P N Y N N N N N N 9% 18% 73%

10Designed and implemented a records system to carry out and support the records management processes of the institution N N N N N N N N N N N 0% 0% 100%

11Standardize the process in capturing records considering classification and indexing, logical arrangement, registration in the records system and metadata assignment

N P P N Y P P P P P P 9% 73% 18%

UPLB RMO UPM UPV UPOU

University of the Philippines

Average Partial Compliance

Average Non-Compliance

Average Compliance

01-May-15

Self-Audit Tool for Records Management

UP Min UPB UP

CebuBest practices in records management OP OSU UPD UPLB

Appendix I-A

Page 150: Assessment of Records Management in the University of the Philippines

UPLB RMO UPM UPV UPOU Average

Partial Compliance

Average Non-Compliance

Average Compliance

UP Min UPB UP

CebuBest practices in records management OP OSU UPD UPLB

12Established a centralized receiving/releasing and messengerial units under the accountability of the records officer P P P N P Y P P N P N 9% 64% 27%

13Use of logbook or equivalent to record all official records in chronological order Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y 100% 0% 0%

14 Established control system in records creation P N P P P P P P P P P 0% 91% 9%

15Use of retention and classification codes as soon as the records is created / captured N N P N P N N P N N N 0% 27% 73%

16 Established standard in registration of records P N P P Y P P P P P P 9% 82% 9%

17 Has prescribed file classification system for uniform filing system P Y P N Y N N P N P P 18% 45% 36%

18Has adequate records storage integrated with the overall records management program N N Y N N N N N N N N 9% 0% 91%

19Storage areas allocated to hold physical records have adequate space to accommodate anticipated growth N N P N N N N N N N No 0% 9% 82%

20Has storage for non-current record integrated with the overall records management program P Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y P P 73% 27% 0%

21Established an Agency Storage / Mini Archives for non-current records preparatory their transfer to NAP N N P N P N N N P N N 0% 27% 73%

22Has set standards and criteria to maximize filing equipment and floor space N N P No P N N N N N N 0% 18% 73%

23Access to records storage areas is restricted to prevent unauthorised access, damage, theft or other catastrophic loss of records P Y P Y Y Y P P P P P 36% 64% 0%

24 Provided rules on how to handle confidential files N N P N P N N N N N N 0% 18% 82%

25Has established finding aids in retrieving and accessing records P Y P P Y P N P P P P 18% 73% 9%

26 Has tracking system for active records P Y P P Y P P P P P P 18% 82% 0%

27 Has an established records loaning system N Y P N Y N N N P N N 18% 18% 64%

28 Has rules in the proper turnover of records to successor/NAP N N N N N N N N N N N 0% 0% 100%

29Has an established guidelines on records transfer compliant with NAP rules N N N N Y N N N N N N 9% 0% 91%

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UPLB RMO UPM UPV UPOU Average

Partial Compliance

Average Non-Compliance

Average Compliance

UP Min UPB UP

CebuBest practices in records management OP OSU UPD UPLB

30 Developed clear rules in transferring records to archives N P P N Y N N N N N N 9% 18% 73%

31Separation of records for disposal from those for further retention as suggested by NAP N N N N N N N N N N N 0% 0% 100%

32Compliant with the General Records Disposition Schedule (GRDS) of NAP N Y Y N Y N N N N N N 27% 0% 73%

33Uses an approved Retention Disposition Schedule (RDS) by NAP, listing all records which are not found in the GRDS N N P N Y N N N N N N 9% 9% 82%

34 Use of retention code (RDS/GRDS) before the records are filed N N N N Y N N N N N N 9% 0% 91%

35 Has a disaster recovery plan for records N N N N N N N N N N N 0% 0% 100%

36Has an approved records inventory and appraisal schedule, at least once a year, with full public accessibility N Y Y N Y N N N N N N 27% 0% 73%

37Conduct periodic examination of records at least once a year to identify valueless records for disposal N N Y N Y N N N N N P 18% 9% 73%

38Has records preservation and restoration procedures as consulted with NAP N N P N N N N N N N N 0% 9% 91%

39Has recently performed a self-audit / review of records management practices N N N N N N N N N N N 0% 0% 100%

40 Has preservation program for archival records N N N N N N N N N N N 0% 0% 100%41 Has an established system in managing electronic records P P P N P N N N N N N 0% 36% 64%42 Has adequate digital storage for electronic records Y Y Y N Y N N P N N N 36% 9% 55%43 Has necessary back-up systems for electronic records P P P N Y N N N N N N 9% 27% 64%44

Records management training is included in the organisation’s Education, Training & Development Plan P P P N P N N P P P N 0% 64% 36%

45 Has recently sent records personnel to a training Y Y Y N Y N N Y Y Y N 64% 0% 36%46

There is provision for the regular review of training needs of personnel in-charge of records N N N N N N N N N N N 0% 0% 100%

Overall rating: 13% 24% 63%Note: Records managers may opt to focus on items with partial compliance to meet the lacking requirements for eventual compliance.

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Objective: To provide an overview of the records management practices in UP as compared with the provisions of ISO 15489 and RA 9470.Scope: Administrative record holdings of the top-level offices/records offices in UPMethodology:Survey questionnaire, interview and site visitUnit : UP Office of the President Date: 01-May-15Note: The best practices listed below are from the provisions of ISO 15489 and RA 9470.

ComplianceYes/No/Partial

1 Observance of regulatory environment related torecords management (e.g. ISO 15489, RA 9470) No

The records personnel is familiar with ISO 15489 and RA 9470. She has plans to comply with said regulations.

2Use of approved / established records management tools (e.g. classification and filing guides, vocabulary controls, indexing, allocation of number and code)

No

Though the records personnel has a copy of NAP GRDS, she admitted that she barely consult the guide. She has a general listing of all folders in their steel cabinets, as it is also available in the EDMS program of the office. The office also has a draft manual on the use of EDMS program.

3 Has an official records and archives office / unitapproved by NAP and DBM Partial

OSU manages the AOs/Memos/EOs issued by the President. But these are not the only records that OP creates and maintains. Because of this set-up, OP decided to capture all records requirement of the office for efficiency. All archival records are transferred to the library.

It is suggested that the mandates of OSU Records Unit be reviewed. The creation a records office/center for UP System Administration (UPSA), and evetually for the entire University, should be the the ultimate goal.

4 Appointed qualified records officer and archivist No Records management is an additional task of the staff.

5 Constituted a Records Management ImprovementCommittee No

Has not constituted a standing committee for the improvement of its records management. There weread hoc committees constituted in 1970s.

University of the PhilippinesSelf-Audit Tool for Records Management

Best practices in records management Evidence Remarks

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ComplianceYes/No/Partial

Best practices in records management Evidence Remarks

6 Established a comprehensive recordsmanagement program No Has no established records management program.

7Has a records management policy adopted and endorsed at the highest decision-making level and promulgated throughout the organization, with schedule of regular review

No Has no records management policy.

8 Has manuals of instructions/operations on records management Partial

In 2000, the senior executive assistant made a compilation of guides on how to manage the records in OP. This was documented but was not formalized for approval. The guides need to be revisited.There were also draft guide made for the management of electronic records since the office started its EDMS program in 2012.

Needs compilation and formalization of these guides into a manual of records management function in OP.

9Documented the responsibilities of each records personnel and all other employees of the institution who perform tasks related to management of records

No Recordkeeping tasks are only reflected in the job description/performance evaluation form of the staff.

10Designed and implemented a records system to carry out and support the records management processes of the institution

No Has not designed and implemented a records system.This should be a collective effort of all UP units.

11Standardize the process in capturing records considering classification and indexing, logical arrangement, registration in the records system and metadata assignment

NoRecords capture process is not documented. The process depends on the practice of the records personnel.

12Established a centralized receiving/releasing and messengerial units under the accountability of the records officer

PartialOP has a staff in-charge of receiving and releasing of records. The OP staff in-charge of records supervises the receiving and releasing of records. But for UPSA, OSU is the central receiving/releasing unit.

Documenting this practice assures continuity amidst change in administration or change in work force.

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ComplianceYes/No/Partial

Best practices in records management Evidence Remarks

13 Use of logbook or equivalent to record all officialrecords in chronological order Yes The OP staff in-charge of the receiving/releasing area

maintains a logbook for all records of OP. OP also uses UP DTS and EDMS (Laserfiche) in records capture and registration.

14 Established control system in records creation Partial

There is an established system but some areas need tobe documented. All issuances of the President are controlled through the use of letter-number codes listed in labelled folders. These folders are compiled every year. The senior executive assistant, Special Assistant to the President and the President review alloutgoing communications prior to release.Aside from this code, the administration has issued AOs to standardize the format of all UP communications.

Review and document the process.

15 Use of retention and classification codes as soonas the records is created / captured No

OP is not keen in observing the retention and disposition schedule as its records are mostly convenience files and are just scanned copy of the original. The original records are released to OSU.

16 Established standard in registration of records PartialThe logbook system of the office captures the following elements: subject/short description, sender, and date of receipt. The UP DTS and EDMS also provide template for capturing metadata of the records.

The records registration system is not documented. Only created/captured vital records are assigned with metadata upon registration for easy retrieval. Not all records are also entered to the UP DTS/EDMS. Establishing the system will standardize the process.

17 Has prescribed file classification system foruniform filing system Partial

In 2000, the senior executive assistant made a classification scheme for OP records. This has been the manner of classifying and filing of OP records.

Review and document the process.

18 Has adequate records storage integrated with theoverall records management program No Since the UPSA has a records unit (OSU), many

UPSA offices have no allocated space for records storage. Steel cabinets and shelves are placed in

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ComplianceYes/No/Partial

Best practices in records management Evidence Remarks

19Storage areas allocated to hold physical records have adequate space to accommodate anticipated growth

No

20 Has storage for non-current record integrated with the overall records management program Partial

Steel cabinets, boxes, and shelves are the common storage facilities for non-current records. OP has no dedicated recods storage area/room. The records storage facilities are located in available spaces.

21Established an Agency Storage / Mini Archives for non-current records preparatory their transfer to NAP

No

22 Has set standards and criteria to maximize filingequipment and floor space No Has no standard/criteria to maximize filing

equipment and floor space.23

Access to records storage areas is restricted to prevent unauthorised access, damage, theft or other catastrophic loss of records

Partial Because of the peculiar storage area, this makes therecords safe from any unauthorised access. Needs proper documentation.

24 Provided rules on how to handle confidential files NoBy practice, release of any confidential record must be approved by the President. This should be documented.

25 Has established finding aids in retrieving andaccessing records Partial Needs proper documentation.

26 Has tracking system for active records PartialA follow-up system must be integrated in the program. OP has problems in tracking active records, those referred to other offices, as it lose track of these records. Needs proper documentation.

storage. Steel cabinets and shelves are placed in available spaces, sometimes in awkward areas. To address the scanty records storage area of the office, OP started its digitization program in 2012 through the use of the Laserfiche program.

Most paper records are being converted to electronic records since 2012 to address the existing records storage problem.

Most paper records are converted to electronic records. EDMS/Laserfiche is used to efficiently find and track records.

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ComplianceYes/No/Partial

Best practices in records management Evidence Remarks

27 Has an established records loaning system NoMany offices are aware of the EDMS program of OP.Hence, most of UP units request copies of records to be sent via email. OP should establish rules on sharing of electronic records to safeguard the records as well as the records personnel of OP.

28 Has rules in the proper turnover of records tosuccessor/NAP No Has no established rule.

29 Has an established guidelines on records transfercompliant with NAP rules No

30 Developed clear rules in transferring records toarchives No

31 Separation of records for disposal from those forfurther retention as suggested by NAP No Has no established practice.

32 Compliant with the General Records DispositionSchedule (GRDS) of NAP No

33Uses an approved Retention Disposition Schedule(RDS) by NAP, listing all records which are not found in the GRDS

No

34 Use of retention code (RDS/GRDS) before therecords are filed No Not being practiced.

35 Has a disaster recovery plan for records No The office has no records disaster recovery plan.36 Has an approved records inventory and appraisal

schedule, at least once a year No OP's last comprehensive records review was in 2000.

37Conduct periodic examination of records at least once a year to identify valueless records for disposal

NoWhen storage is almost full or during free time, the records personnel examines the records to identify valueless records.

38 Has records preservation and restorationprocedures as consulted with NAP No The office has no program for this.

39 Has recently performed a self-audit / review ofrecords management practices No Has no records management audit plan.

By practice, non-active and archival records are transferred to the University Archives and Records Depository (UARD), UP Main Library. The office uses its own version of transfer list form. There is no clear schedule and guide on OP's records transfer.

Though the records personnel has a copy of NAP GRDS, she admitted that she barely consult the guide. RDS is not a concern for OP records personnelas its records are mostly convenience files.

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ComplianceYes/No/Partial

Best practices in records management Evidence Remarks40 Has preservation program for archival records No The office has no program for this.

41 Has an established system in managing electronicrecords Partial

Documenting this effort will assure continuity amidst change in administration or change in work force. It would be helpful if OP could have a manual for managing its electronic records.

42 Has adequate digital storage for electronic records Yes

43 Has necessary back-up systems for electronicrecords Partial

OP has three external hard disks. The office has plan to perform back-up from Laserfiche to capture the folders, sub-folders and metadata of each record in the EDMS. This is a pending request to eUP Team.

44Records management training is included in the organisation’s Education, Training & Development Plan

Partial

45 Has recently sent records personnel to a training Yes46 There is provision for the regular review of

training needs of the personnel NoFindings:

Yes 3 7%No 30 65%

Partial 13 28%

Records personnel upon receipt of an invitation for a training, request approval from their head to attend such training. The administration seems supportive of her plan to improve her skills on records management.

Notes: - Records managers may opt to focus on items withpartial compliance to meet the lacking requirements for eventual compliance. - Evidences and remarks are given to explain thefindings of the audit.

Training programs should be listed as a regular project of UP with appropriate budget allocation. The training program must be promulgated and promoted. This can be done by assigning a coordinator for UP training program.

OP records are now almost 80% electronic. The electronic records are managed through the Laserfiche Program.

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Objective: To provide an overview of the records management practices in UP as compared with the provisions of ISO 15489 and RA 9470.Scope: Administrative record holdings of the top-level offices/records offices in UPMethodology:Survey questionnaire, interview and site visit

Date:1 May 2015Note: The best practices listed below are from the provisions of ISO 15489 and RA 9470.

ComplianceYes/No/Partial

1 Observance of regulatory environment related torecords management (e.g. ISO 15489, RA 9470) Partial

The records personnel is familiar with ISO 15489 and RA 9470. OSU's draft manual of operation is in accordance with some of the provisions of RA 9470.

2Use of approved / established records management tools (e.g. classification and filing guides, vocabulary controls, indexing, allocation of number and code)

PartialOSU has a file classification scheme/guide and RDS which is according to NAP GRDS. This is included in the draft manual of operations, awaiting the approval of the President.

3 Has an official records and archives office / unitapproved by NAP and DBM Yes

The creation of OSU was mandated by the law (RA9500) and needs no further approval of NAP and DBM.

OSU is mandated to manage specific records only - records on Board of Regents (BOR) decisions and issuances of the UP President. Making it a full-pledge records center/office is one good approach.

4 Appointed qualified records officer and archivist Yes OSU has appointed a qualified records officer.

5 Constituted a Records Management ImprovementCommittee No

Has not constituted a standing committee for the improvement of its records management. There weread hoc committees constituted in 1970s.

6 Established a comprehensive recordsmanagement program Partial

University of the PhilippinesSelf-Audit Tool for Records Management

Best practices in records management Evidence Remarks

Unit :Office of the Secretary of the University and of the Board of Regents (OSU)

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ComplianceYes/No/Partial

Best practices in records management Evidence Remarks

7Has a records management policy adopted and endorsed at the highest decision-making level and promulgated throughout the organization, with schedule of regular review

Partial

8 Has manuals of instructions/operations on records management Partial

9Documented the responsibilities of each records personnel and all other employees of the institution who perform tasks related to management of records

Partial The draft manual of operations lists only theresponsibilities of the records personnel.

A comprehensive documentation of the responsibilities of each of the staff in OSU is required.

10Designed and implemented a records system to carry out and support the records management processes of the institution

No Has not designed and implemented a records system.This should be a collective effort of all UP units.

11Standardize the process in capturing records considering classification and indexing, logical arrangement, registration in the records system and metadata assignment

Partial The draft manual of operations briefly describes the different processes on records management in OSU. A comprehensive guide must be crafted.

12Established a centralized receiving/releasing and messengerial units under the accountability of the records officer

Partial

OSU has a receiving/releasing unit. It receives and releases all communications coming in and out of the Office of the President (OP) and those addressed to the BOR. It has pigeon hole shelving units to systematize this function. It is supervised by the executive assistant of OSU. The records officer is not directly involved in the function of this unit.

This section of OSU must be reviewed to comply with the provisions of ISO and RA.

The manual of operations must be finalized and approved by the President.

OSU has a draft manual of operations which details the records management procedures of the office.

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ComplianceYes/No/Partial

Best practices in records management Evidence Remarks

13 Use of logbook or equivalent to record all officialrecords in chronological order Yes OSU maintains a logbook for all its records. OSU also uses UP DTS in records capture and

registration.

14 Established control system in records creation No Needs proper documentation. This is yet to be covered by the draft manual of operations.

15 Use of retention and classification codes as soonas the records is created / captured No

OSU is not keen in observing the retention and disposition schedule as most of its records are vital records. According to the records officer, 90% of their collection are vital records.

16 Established standard in registration of records PartialThe logbook system of the office captures the following elements: subject/short description, sender, and date of receipt. The UP DTS also provides template for capturing metadata of the record.

Needs proper documentation. This is yet covered by the draft manual of operations.

17 Has prescribed file classification system foruniform filing system Yes

OSU uses a File Classification Guide. It also assigns cross-references and sub-heading to records for easy retrieval.

18 Has adequate records storage integrated with theoverall records management program No

19Storage areas allocated to hold physical records have adequate space to accommodate anticipated growth

No

20 Has storage for non-current record integratedwith the overall records management program Yes The office has a records storage room for non-current

records.It was observed that the records storage also serves as storage forr other office stuff like clothes, office supplies, etc. In order to assure records preservation,records must be kept in appropriate storage area.

OSU has limited records storage area at present. Steel cabinets, shelves and boxes the common records storage facilities in the office. To address the scanty records storage area of the office, OSU started its digitization project called eOSU.

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ComplianceYes/No/Partial

Best practices in records management Evidence Remarks

21Established an Agency Storage / Mini Archives for non-current records preparatory their transfer to NAP

NoArchival records are transferred to the University Archives and Records Depository (UARD), UP Main Library. The office has not transferred any record to NAP or other government agency.

22 Has set standards and criteria to maximize filingequipment and floor space No Has no standard/criteria to maximize filing

equipment and floor space.

23Access to records storage areas is restricted to prevent unauthorised access, damage, theft or other catastrophic loss of records

YesRecords storage facilities are startegically located to prevent unauthorised access. Records storage room is locked and can only be accessed by the records personnel of the office.

24 Provided rules on how to handle confidential files NoBy practice, release of any confidential record must be approved by the President or the BOR. This should be documented.

25 Has established finding aids in retrieving andaccessing records Yes

OSU has index cards, electronic master file of records with location, and EDMS/Laserfiche to find and access records.

These are not described in the manual of operations. These should be included in the manual.

26 Has tracking system for active records Yes The office uses the UP DTS and logbook to trackactive records.

A follow-up system (reminder) must be integrated in the UP DTS to avoid losing track of the records referred to other offices.

27 Has an established records loaning system Yes

OSU already digitized the UP Gazette and uploaded in their website. Records which are not found in the website can be requested upon submission of a letter-request. OSU provides copy of the records with stamp as proof that it was officially released by the office.

28 Has rules in the proper turnover of records tosuccessor/NAP No Has no established rule.

29 Has an established guidelines on records transfercompliant with NAP rules No

By practice, non-active and archival records are

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ComplianceYes/No/Partial

Best practices in records management Evidence Remarks

30 Developed clear rules in transferring records toarchives Partial

Records aging 10 years up are considered ready to be transferred to the UP Main Library. The records for transfer are placed in a box with proper label. A transfer list form is prepared as evidence of the transaction.

31 Separation of records for disposal from those forfurther retention as suggested by NAP No

Has no established practice. Almost all records of the office are considered vital records, hence disposition is not practiced.

32 Compliant with the General Records DispositionSchedule (GRDS) of NAP Yes NAP GRDS is used to the remaining 10% of OSU

records.33

Uses an approved Retention Disposition Schedule(RDS) by NAP, listing all records which are not found in the GRDS

No

34 Use of retention code (RDS/GRDS) before therecords are filed No

Not being practiced. Almost all records of the office are considered vital records, hence disposition is not practiced.

35 Has a disaster recovery plan for records No The office has no records disaster recovery plan.36 Has an approved records inventory and appraisal

schedule, at least once a year Yes OSU conducts inventory of records every year.

37Conduct periodic examination of records at least once a year to identify valueless records for disposal

NoAlmost all records of the office are considered vital records, hence disposition is not practiced. Records are inventoried to identify records that are ready for transfer. Records for transfer are digitized first to keep a copy in the EDMS/Laserfiche.

38 Has records preservation and restorationprocedures as consulted with NAP No The office has no program for this.

39 Has recently performed a self-audit / review ofrecords management practices No Has no records management audit plan.

40 Has preservation program for archival records No The office has no program for this.

By practice, non-active and archival records aretransferred to University Archives and Records Depository (UARD), UP Main Library. The office uses its own version of transfer list form.

RDS is not a major concern of the office as most of its records are vital records.

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ComplianceYes/No/Partial

Best practices in records management Evidence Remarks

41 Has an established system in managing electronicrecords Partial Needs proper documentation.

42 Has adequate digital storage for electronicrecords Yes

Documenting this effort will assure continuity amidst change in administration or change in work force. It is recommended to craft a manual for managing its electronic records.

43 Has necessary back-up systems for electronicrecords Partial

OSU has one external hard disk as back-up system. The office should have at least three back-up units. The office plans to purchase additional external hard disk.

44Records management training is included in the organisation’s Education, Training & Development Plan

Partial

45 Has recently sent records personnel to a training Yes

46 There is provision for the regular review oftraining needs of the personnel NoFindings:

Yes 13 28%No 20 43%

Partial 13 28%

Training programs should be listed as a regular project of UP with appropriate budget allocation. The training program must be promulgated and promoted. This can be done by assigning a coordinator for UP training program.

Records personnel upon receipt of an invitation for a training, request approval from their head to attend such training. The administration seems supportive of her plan to improve her skills on records management.

Notes: - Records managers may opt to focus on items withpartial compliance to meet the lacking requirements for eventual compliance. - Evidences and remarks are given to explain thefindings of the audit.

OSU records are now 50% electronic. The electronic records are managed through the Laserfiche Program. The project is called eOSU which is the priority project of the current Secretary of the University.

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Objective: To provide an overview of the records management practices in UP as compared with the provisions of ISO 15489 and RA 9470.Scope: Administrative record holdings of the top-level offices/records offices in UPMethodology:Survey questionnaire, interview and site visitUnit : UP Diliman Date: 01-May-15Note: The best practices listed below are from the provisions of ISO 15489 and RA 9470.

ComplianceYes/No/Partial

1 Observance of regulatory environment related torecords management (e.g. ISO 15489, RA 9470) Partial

UPD-OC acknowledges the following legislations: RA 9470, NAP General Circular No. 1, NAP General Circular No. 2, and RA 6713.

It is recommended for UPD-OC to consider international standard as it ensure a comprehensive and globally accepted records management program.

2Use of approved / established records management tools (e.g. classification and filing guides, vocabulary controls, indexing, allocation of number and code)

Partial

The records officer uses the following tools: records management manuals, RDS, accession authorization, file classification guide, index, records inventory, vocabulary control, documentation on records destruction, vital records inventory, and documentation on in-house digitization program.

According to the records officer, many of the tools are still in the draft stage. The approval of these tools will further strengthen their plan of formalizing their records management program.

3 Has an official records and archives office / unitapproved by NAP and DBM Partial UPD-OC operates a records unit. This unit serves as

the main records unit in UP Diliman. An organic records unit, which is approved by NAP and DBM, will streamline its operations.

4 Appointed qualified records officer and archivist PartialThe records officer is not holding a records officer plantilla item, though his job description is mainly on records management.

Creation of records officer plantilla item/s may be requested from DBM upon approval of UP records office.

5 Constituted a Records Management ImprovementCommittee No

Has not constituted a standing committee for the improvement of its records management. There weread hoc committees constituted in 1970s.

6 Established a comprehensive recordsmanagement program Partial

UPD-OC has an established program which needs further review to capture all aspects of its records management practices.

Needs review and formalization.

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ComplianceYes/No/Partial

Best practices in records management Evidence Remarks

7Has a records management policy adopted and endorsed at the highest decision-making level and promulgated throughout the organization, with schedule of regular review

Partial Has a draft policy. Needs approval.

8 Has manuals of instructions/operations on records management Partial UPD-OC has a draft policy which needs to be

translated into a manual. Needs formalization.

9Documented the responsibilities of each records personnel and all other employees of the institution who perform tasks related to management of records

PartialUPD-OC has a documentation of responsibilities of each records personnel and other OC staff which is part of the draft records management policy.

Needs formalization and promulgation.

10Designed and implemented a records system to carry out and support the records management processes of the institution

NoDesigning and implementation of records system must be a collective effort of all UPD units. An efficient records system must include all business processes of the campus.

11Standardize the process in capturing records considering classification and indexing, logical arrangement, registration in the records system and metadata assignment

Partial The general records capture process is part of the policy. The office uses DTS to capture records.

The process must be elaborated. This should be included in the records management policy and manual of operation of the unit.

12Established a centralized receiving/releasing and messengerial units under the accountability of the records officer

PartialUPD-OC serves as the main receiving and releasing unit in UP Diliman. The records officer is not directly involved in the operation of this unit.

The records officer should supervise this function. This should be reviewed and should be documented comprehensively for any future development.

13 Use of logbook or equivalent to record all official records in chronological order Yes

The UPD-OC staff who is in-charge of the receiving/releasing area maintains a DTS which is more efficient than the logbook system.

UPD-OC also uses an in-house DTS and other computer-aided system in records registration.

14 Established control system in records creation Partial

There is a established system but some areas need to be documented. All issuances of the Chancellor are controlled through the use of letter-number codes and policy on formats. The executive assistants and the Chancellor review all outgoing communications prior to release.

Needs review and inclusion in the records management policy and manual of operation of the unit.

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ComplianceYes/No/Partial

Best practices in records management Evidence Remarks

15 Use of retention and classification codes as soonas the records is created / captured Partial The records officer adds notes to records upon

capture. This is not documented.Needs documentation and inclusion in the records management policy and manual of operation of the unit to standardize the process.

16 Established standard in registration of records PartialThe office uses logbooks, DTS and other computer-aided system in records registration. This must be formally documented.

Needs formal documentation and for inclusion in therecords management policy and manual of operation of the unit.

17 Has prescribed file classification system foruniform filing system Partial

UPD-OC has a guide in filing records. This needs to be converted into a comprehensive filing manual for all records of the office.

Needs crafting of a comprehensive filing manual. Vocabulary controls, index and shorthand codes should be part of this comprehensive manual.

18 Has adequate records storage integrated with theoverall records management program Yes With the newly renovated office of UPD-OC, records

storage was given enough space.

19Storage areas allocated to hold physical records have adequate space to accommodate anticipated growth

Partial According to the records officer, they are only 60% ready.

RDS must be strictly implemented to ensure adequaterecords storage.

20 Has storage for non-current record integrated with the overall records management program Yes

21Established an Agency Storage / Mini Archives for non-current records preparatory their transfer to NAP

Partial Needs documentation and formalization.

22 Has set standards and criteria to maximize filingequipment and floor space Partial UPD-OC has a draft standard and plan in maximizing

its filing equipment and floor space.Needs review and formalization for inclusion in the records management policy and manual of operation of the unit.

23Access to records storage areas is restricted to prevent unauthorised access, damage, theft or other catastrophic loss of records

Partial The storage areas are strategically located in safe place.

Guidelines in records access and safeguard should be crafted and formalized. For inclusion in the records management policy and manual of operation of the unit.

24 Provided rules on how to handle confidential files PartialThe executive assistant and the Chancellor give the authority to release a confidential records as mentioned in the draft records management policy of the unit.

To protect the records and the UPD-OC, the rule in handling confidential records must be established (part of the guidelines in records access and safeguard).

25 Has established finding aids in retrieving andaccessing records Partial

With the newly renovated office of UPD-OC, records storage was given enough space.

The in-house DTS program of UPD-OC serves as the most efficient way in finding a record. The software needs upgrading to add more features.

Needs review, upgrading and formal documentation. These practices must be included in the records management policy and manual of operation of the

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ComplianceYes/No/Partial

Best practices in records management Evidence Remarks

26 Has tracking system for active records Partial

27 Has an established records loaning system PartialThe office requires borrower's slip and receipt slips, as well as letter-request for the Chancellor's approval. No detailed documentation is available.

Needs formal documentation and inclusion in the records management policy and manual of operation of the unit.

28 Has rules in the proper turnover of records to successor/NAP No

29 Has an established guidelines on records transfer compliant with NAP rules No

30 Developed clear rules in transferring records to archives Partial Has a guideline but needs formalization. The office

uses its own version of a transfer list form.

Needs formal documentation and inclusion in the records management policy and manual of operation of the unit. Archival records are transferred to the University Archives and Records Depository (UARD), UP Main Library.

31 Separation of records for disposal from those for further retention as suggested by NAP No Has no established practice.

32 Compliant with the General Records Disposition Schedule (GRDS) of NAP Yes The crafted RDS of UPD-OC is compliant with NAP

GRDS.

33Uses an approved Retention Disposition Schedule (RDS) by NAP, listing all records which are not found in the GRDS

Partial Has an RDS developed by the records officer. But still needs approval of the Chancellor and NAP.

Needs formalization and approval of the Chancellor and NAP. Also for inclusion in the records management policy and manual of operations of the unit.

34 Use of retention code (RDS/GRDS) before the records are filed No Not being practiced.

35 Has a disaster recovery plan for records No The office has no records disaster recovery plan.

36 Has an approved records inventory and appraisal schedule, at least once a year Yes

The records officer is conducting inventory and appraisal every year. This is the practice but needs approval to institutionalize.

Document the process and secure approval of the Chancellor. The inventory and appraisal must also be submitted to NAP. This is for inclusion in the records management policy and manual of operation of the unit.

Has no established rule. Archival records are transferred to the University Archives and Records Depository (UARD), UP Main Library.

Inventory of records, computer-aided program and compiled guides are also used by the office.

management policy and manual of operation of the unit.

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ComplianceYes/No/Partial

Best practices in records management Evidence Remarks

37Conduct periodic examination of records at least once a year to identify valueless records for disposal

Yes The records officer conduct a periodic examinationof records every year.

Must be included in the records management policy and manual of operations.

38 Has records preservation and restorationprocedures as consulted with NAP Partial Has policies and procedures but did not consult NAP. Needs review of the pratice and documentation.

39 Has recently performed a self-audit / review ofrecords management practices No Has no records management audit plan.

40 Has preservation program for archival records NoHas no program for this. The records unit of UPD-OC perform some archival task. The records officer should consult an archives officers to draft a program for the office.

41 Has an established system in managing electronicrecords Partial

42 Has adequate digital storage for electronic records Yes43 Has necessary back-up systems for electronic

records Partial

44Records management training is included in the organisation’s Education, Training & Development Plan

Partial

45 Has recently sent records personnel to a training Yes

46 There is provision for the regular review oftraining needs of personnel in-charge of records NoFindings:

Yes 8 17%No 10 22%

Partial 28 61%

Notes: - Records managers may opt to focus on items withpartial compliance to meet the lacking requirements for eventual compliance. - Evidences and remarks are given to explain thefindings of the audit.

Needs further development and formal documentation. For inclusion in the comprehensive records management program of UPD-OC.

Records personnel upon receipt of an invitation for a training, request approval from their head to attend such training. The administration seems supportive of her plan to improve her skills on records management.

Training programs should be listed as a regular project of UP with appropriate budget allocation. The training program must be promulgated and promoted. This can be done by assigning a coordinator for UP training program.

UPD-OC has already developed a system for its electronic records.

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Objective: To provide an overview of the records management practices in UP as compared with the provisions of ISO 15489 and RA 9470.Scope: Administrative record holdings of the top-level offices/records offices in UPMethodology:Survey questionnaire, interview and site visitUnit : UP Los Banos Date: 01-May-15Note: The best practices listed below are from the provisions of ISO 15489 and RA 9470.

ComplianceYes/No/Partial

1 Observance of regulatory environment related to records management (e.g. ISO 15489, RA 9470) No The records personnel is not familiar with any

legislation on records management.

2Use of approved / established records management tools (e.g. classification and filing guides, vocabulary controls, indexing, allocation of number and code)

NoAlmost all practices of the office are not documented. The records management is dependent on the pratice of the AO and the records personnel.

3 Has an official records and archives office / unit approved by NAP and DBM Partial

UPLB has a records office (RMO) but it fails to serve as the central records office of the campus. As shared by UPLB-RMO, many offices fail to give them copies of their vital records, particularly the Office of the Chancellor which is the heart of all operations in the campus.

4 Appointed qualified records officer and archivist No Records management is an additional task to the staff of the office.

5 Constituted a Records Management Improvement Committee No

Has not constituted a standing committee for the improvement of its records management. There were ad hoc committees constituted in 1970s.

6 Established a comprehensive records management program No Has no established records management program.

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Best practices in records management Evidence Remarks

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ComplianceYes/No/Partial

Best practices in records management Evidence Remarks

7Has a records management policy adopted and endorsed at the highest decision-making level and promulgated throughout the organization, with schedule of regular review

No Has no records management policy.

8 Has manuals of instructions/operations on records management No Has no compiled manual of instructions/operations.

9Documented the responsibilities of each records personnel and all other employees of the institution who perform tasks related to management of records

No Recordkeeping tasks are only reflected in the job description/performance evaluation form of the staff.

10Designed and implemented a records system to carry out and support the records management processes of the institution

NoDesigning and implementation of records system must be a collective effort of all UPLB units. An efficient records system must include all business processes of the campus.

11Standardize the process in capturing records considering classification and indexing, logical arrangement, registration in the records system and metadata assignment

PartialUPLB has an in-house DTS which is used to capture, register and track (with barcodes) the records of all incoming and outgoing communications of UPLB.

This is just a basic system which do not address the complexity of the records that the office manages. Aside from this, UPLB-OC also uses the UP DTS for records coming from and going to the UP System. UPLB OC is using two different DTS in managing itsrecords.

12Established a centralized receiving/releasing and messengerial units under the accountability of the records officer

Partial This should be the function of UPLB-RMO which is not maximized by the campus. Needs review.

13 Use of logbook or equivalent to record all officialrecords in chronological order Yes

The records personnel maintains two DTS, one for UPLB records, the other one is for records going to and coming from UP Systsem.

The use of these systems should be documented. It is ideal to have only one DTS in place.

14 Established control system in records creation PartialAll memos, AOs and outgoing issuances of the Chancellor are controlled through letter/number codes. This control codes are listed in logbooks. These issuances are reviewed by the AO and the Chancellor prior to release.

This system must be properly documented.

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ComplianceYes/No/Partial

Best practices in records management Evidence Remarks

15 Use of retention and classification codes as soon as the records is created / captured No

Records for filing are compiled on the side table of the records personnel for filing within the day. No codes or notes is assigned to the records upon receipt or filing.

16 Established standard in registration of records PartialThe records personnel maintains two DTS, one for UPLB records, the other one is for records going to and coming from UP System.

The use of these systems should be documented. It is ideal to have only one DTS in palce.

17 Has prescribed file classification system for uniform filing system No

Classification system is not documented. Thus, the old practice is maintained or developed by the current records personnel. Drastic change cannot be implemented due to lack of supporting documents.

18 Has adequate records storage integrated with the overall records management program No

19Storage areas allocated to hold physical records have adequate space to accommodate anticipated growth

No

20 Has storage for non-current record integrated with the overall records management program Yes

Non-active records are filed in the storage room which is also almost full. Records retention and disposition must be strictly observed to address this issue.

As per records personnel, their storage room is soon to be renovated. The new storage room will be located near the office.

21Established an Agency Storage / Mini Archives for non-current records preparatory their transfer to NAP

NoThe storage room cannot be considered as mini-archives. UPLB-OC has not planned any transfer of non-active records to NAP or any agency. If ever UPLB-OC should transfer any record, it should be closely coordinated with the RMO.

22 Has set standards and criteria to maximize filing equipment and floor space No Has no standard/criteria to maximize filing

equipment and floor space.

Active records are filed in the steel cabinets inside the office. Almost all cabinets are full. Boxes are placed on top of the cabinets and tables to accommodate increasing numbers of active records.

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ComplianceYes/No/Partial

Best practices in records management Evidence Remarks

23Access to records storage areas is restricted to prevent unauthorised access, damage, theft or other catastrophic loss of records

YesSteel cabinets, boxes and the storage area are not accessible to any non-UPLB-OC staff, this makes the records safe from any unauthorised access. Only the Chancellor, AO and the records personnel has access to these facilities.

24 Provided rules on how to handle confidential files NoBy practice, release of any confidential record must be approved by the Chancellor. To protect the records and the UPLB-OC, rule in handling confidential records must be in place.

25 Has established finding aids in retrieving andaccessing records Partial

26 Has tracking system for active records Partial

27 Has an established records loaning system NoThe records personnel shared that most of the units call her to request for records. As a practice, she provide the requestor a photocopy of the record to avoid record loss. Establishment of a loaning system will prevent lost records, and to save on papers, too.

28 Has rules in the proper turnover of records tosuccessor/NAP No No established rules.

29 Has an established guidelines on records transfercompliant with NAP rules No

30 Developed clear rules in transferring records toarchives No

By practice, non-record materials, like publications, magazines, etc., are sent to the library or RMO.Due to lack of time, records personnel barely review the records for possible disposition.

The DTS is the most efficient finding aid of the office. If not found in the DTS, the records personnel rely on her knowledge of the files. Alternative finding aids should be devised.

The records personnel also shared that records from earlier years to 1998 are difficult to manage. There were no system used by the office during that time, negatively affecting the current management of records. Needs documentation.

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ComplianceYes/No/Partial

Best practices in records management Evidence Remarks

31 Separation of records for disposal from those for further retention as suggested by NAP No As shared by the records personnel, they are not

disposing any record yet.

32 Compliant with the General Records Disposition Schedule (GRDS) of NAP No

33Uses an approved Retention Disposition Schedule (RDS) by NAP, listing all records which are not found in the GRDS

No

34 Use of retention code (RDS/GRDS) before the records are filed No Retention codes are not identified before filing.

35 Has a disaster recovery plan for records No The office has no records disaster recovery plan.

36 Has an approved records inventory and appraisal schedule, at least once a year No

The office has not done any records ineventory and appraisal. This pratice should be initiated by the RMO.

37Conduct periodic examination of records at least once a year to identify valueless records for disposal

No Due to lack of time, records personnel barely review the records for possible disposition.

38 Has records preservation and restoration procedures as consulted with NAP No The office has no program for this.

39 Has recently performed a self-audit / review of records management practices No Has no records management audit plan.

40 Has preservation program for archival records No Has no program for this.41 Has an established system in managing electronic

records No42 Has adequate digital storage for electronic records No43 Has necessary back-up systems for electronic

records No

44Records management training is included in the organisation’s Education, Training & Development Plan

No The records personnel shared that she is yet to attend any records management training, even basic records management trainings.

The records personnel conduct disposition upon instruction of the administrative officer. This practice is solely dependent on the knowledge of the personnel about the records.

With the implementation of eUP, the office is now starting to learn on and work with electronic records.

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ComplianceYes/No/Partial

Best practices in records management Evidence Remarks

45 Has recently sent records personnel to a training No

46 There is provision for the regular review oftraining needs of personnel in-charge of records No

Findings:Yes 3 7%No 36 78%

Partial 7 15%

management trainings.Training programs should be listed as a regular project of UP with appropriate budget allocation. The training program must be promulgated and promoted. This can be done by assigning a coordinator for UP training program.Notes: - Records managers may opt to focus on items withpartial compliance to meet the lacking requirements for eventual compliance. - Evidences and remarks are given to explain thefindings of the audit.

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Objective: To provide an overview of the records management practices in UP as compared with the provisions of ISO 15489 and RA 9470.Scope: Administrative record holdings of the top-level offices/records offices in UPMethodology:Survey questionnaire, interview and site visitUnit : UP Los Banos RMO Date: 01-May-15Note: The best practices listed below are from the provisions of ISO 15489 and RA 9470.

ComplianceYes/No/Partial

1 Observance of regulatory environment related to records management (e.g. ISO 15489, RA 9470) Partial UPLB RMO acknowledges RA 9470 in its records

management.Consideration of international standards can ensure a comprehensive and globally accepted records management program.

2Use of approved / established records management tools (e.g. classification and filing guides, vocabulary controls, indexing, allocation of number and code)

Yes

The records officer uses the following tools: records classification scheme, index, records inventory and appraisal, GRDS, agency's RDS, retention codes, file classification guide, requisition and charge-out procedures, records management manual, and number/code allocation.

3 Has an official records and archives office / unit approved by NAP and DBM Yes UPLB has an established records office called

Records Management Office.

The office fails to fullfil its mandates because many office don't include them in the loop in managing their records. As shared by the records officer, many offices fail to give them copies of their vital records, particularly the Office of the Chancellor which is the heart of all operations in the campus.

4 Appointed qualified records officer and archivist Yes UPLB RMO has an appointed records officer. Most of its staff are holding records officer positions.

5 Constituted a Records Management Improvement Committee No

Has not constituted a standing committee for the improvement of its records management. There were ad hoc committees constituted in 1970s.

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ComplianceYes/No/Partial

Best practices in records management Evidence Remarks

6 Established a comprehensive recordsmanagement program Partial

7Has a records management policy adopted and endorsed at the highest decision-making level and promulgated throughout the organization, with schedule of regular review

Partial

8 Has manuals of instructions/operations on records management Yes

9Documented the responsibilities of each records personnel and all other employees of the institution who perform tasks related to management of records

YesThe responsibilities of each records personnel in UPLB RMO are documented in the office's Manual of Operations and Procedures.

10Designed and implemented a records system to carry out and support the records management processes of the institution

NoDesigning and implementation of records system must be a collective effort of all UPLB units. An efficient records system must include all business processes of the campus.

11Standardize the process in capturing records considering classification and indexing, logical arrangement, registration in the records system and metadata assignment

YesThrough the use of an Automated Document Management System (ADMS), the office is able to include records properties and descriptions upon capture.

12Established a centralized receiving/releasing and messengerial units under the accountability of the records officer

Partial

UPLB RMO should be the central receiving and releasing unit of the campus. But UPLB-OC has its own receiving/releasing office. According to UPLB RMO, not all UPLB units receive and release their records through them. They provide messengerial services for records coursed through them. Their mailing services require availing units to fund operations, this service is not part of RMO budget.

Needs review of this function.

13 Use of logbook or equivalent to record all officialrecords in chronological order Yes UPLB RMO uses logbooks, ADMS and computer-

aided system to register records.

UPLB has no comprehensive records management program, but UPLB RMO has an approved manual ofoperations (2004) which can be a good starting point for the crafting of a records management program for the entire campus.

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ComplianceYes/No/Partial

Best practices in records management Evidence Remarks

14 Established control system in records creation PartialThis function should be closely coordinated with all units of UPLB, especially the Office of the Chancellor.

Needs review and formalization, for inclusion in the records management manual.

15 Use of retention and classification codes as soonas the records is created / captured Partial The records officer adds notes to records upon

capture. This is not documented.Needs documentation and for inclusion in the records management manual.

16 Established standard in registration of records YesUPLB RMO uses logbooks, ADMS and computer-aided system to register records. This is included in the manual.

17 Has prescribed file classification system foruniform filing system Yes

UPLB RMO has a well-estabslihed filing guide / classification system which is reflected in the records management manual.

18 Has adequate records storage integrated with theoverall records management program No

19Storage areas allocated to hold physical records have adequate space to accommodate anticipated growth

No

20 Has storage for non-current record integrated with the overall records management program Yes

21Established an Agency Storage / Mini Archives for non-current records preparatory their transfer to NAP

Partial No plans yet of transferring records to NAP or any government agency.

22 Has set standards and criteria to maximize filingequipment and floor space Partial Having 4 records areas, UPLB RMO has already

acquired standards in maximizing filing space.Needs review and documentation for inclusion in the records management manual.

23Access to records storage areas is restricted to prevent unauthorised access, damage, theft or other catastrophic loss of records

Yes The storage areas are strategically located in a safe places.

Records access of non-staff members are detailed in the manual.

24 Provided rules on how to handle confidential files Partial The Records Officer gives the authority to release a confidential record.

To protect the records and the UPLB RMO, the rule in handling confidential records must be in place and for inclusion in the records management manual.

25 Has established finding aids in retrieving andaccessing records Yes

The records personnel admitted that their records storage is now limited. They currently have four records areas. They have a pending request for another records area to address the issue.

UPLB RMO manages almost all types of records in the campus (administrative, academic, human resources). Non-active/archival records of these types are managed in their records areas.

UPLB RMO uses the following finding/tracking aids: index cards, inventory of records, compiled guides, ADMS, and knowledge of the files. These are all

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ComplianceYes/No/Partial

Best practices in records management Evidence Remarks

26 Has tracking system for active records Yes

27 Has an established records loaning system YesThe unit uses borrower's slip in loaning a records. The maximum period set for loaned records is 1 day. This is detailed in the manual, procedures are also clearly stated.

28 Has rules in the proper turnover of records tosuccessor/NAP No Has no established rule.

29 Has an established guidelines on records transfercompliant with NAP rules Yes

30 Developed clear rules in transferring records toarchives Yes Needs formal documentation and for inclusion in the

manual. 31 Separation of records for disposal from those for

further retention as suggested by NAP No Has no established practice.32 Compliant with the General Records Disposition

Schedule (GRDS) of NAP Yes The RRDS of UPLB is compliant with NAP GRDS.

33Uses an approved Retention Disposition Schedule(RDS) by NAP, listing all records which are not found in the GRDS

Yes Has an RRDS developed by the unit and with approval of the Chancellor.

34 Use of retention code (RDS/GRDS) before therecords are filed Yes Before filing, UPLB-RMO assign not only RDS to

the records but also cross-references and indexes.35 Has a disaster recovery plan for records No The office has no records disaster recovery plan.36 Has an approved records inventory and appraisal

schedule, at least once a year Yes The records officer is conducting inventory and appraisal every year.

37Conduct periodic examination of records at least once a year to identify valueless records for disposal

Yes The records officer conduct a periodic examination of records every year.

38 Has records preservation and restorationprocedures as consulted with NAP No Has no established procedure.

ADMS, and knowledge of the files. These are alldetailed in the manual, procedures are also clearly stated.

Transfers are conducted from the main UPLB-RMO office to one of its records centers. This is detailed inthe manual, procedures are also clearly stated.

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ComplianceYes/No/Partial

Best practices in records management Evidence Remarks

39 Has recently performed a self-audit / review of records management practices No Has no records management audit plan.

40 Has preservation program for archival records NoHas no program for this. The records unit of UPLB-RMO perform some archival task. The records officer can consider consulting with archives officers to draft a program for the office.

41 Has an established system in managing electronic records Partial

42 Has adequate digital storage for electronic records Yes43 Has necessary back-up systems for electronic

records Yes

44Records management training is included in the organisation’s Education, Training & Development Plan

Partial45 Has recently sent records personnel to a training Yes46 There is provision for the regular review of

training needs of personnel in-charge of records NoFindings:

Yes 24 52%No 11 24%

Partial 11 24%

Notes: - Records managers may opt to focus on items with partial compliance to meet the lacking requirements for eventual compliance. - Evidences and remarks are given to explain the findings of the audit.

UPLB-RMO has started managing electronic records through the ADMS. This section is manned by contractual staff. Funding for the project is requested annually through submission of an accomplishment report. The system and the process are documented.

It would be helpful if the staff members in-charge of the project are in permanent positions to ensure the continuity of the program.

Training programs should be listed as a regular project of UP with appropriate budget allocation. The training program must be promulgated and promoted. This can be done by assigning a coordinator for UP training program.

Records personnel upon receipt of an invitation for a training, request approval from their head to attend such training. The administration seems supportive of their plan to improve her skills on records

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Objective: To provide an overview of the records management practices in UP as compared with the provisions of ISO 15489 and RA 9470.Scope: Administrative record holdings of the top-level offices/records offices in UPMethodology:Survey questionnaire, interview and site visitUnit : UP Manila Date: 01-May-15Note: The best practices listed below are from the provisions of ISO 15489 and RA 9470.

ComplianceYes/No/Partial

1 Observance of regulatory environment related to records management (e.g. ISO 15489, RA 9470) No The records personnel is not familiar with any

legislation on records management.

2Use of approved / established records management tools (e.g. classification and filing guides, vocabulary controls, indexing, allocation of number and code)

NoAlmost all practices of the office are not documented. The records management is dependent on the pratice of the AO and of the records personnel.

3 Has an official records and archives office / unit approved by NAP and DBM No

There are plans to establish a records office in UP Manila. To start it off, a central receiving/releasing unit for all UP Manila communications called Central Contact Point (CPC) was established 2012.

4 Appointed qualified records officer and archivist NoRecords management is an additional task to the staff of the office. The eventual creation of the records office may secure records officer/personnel plantilla items.

5 Constituted a Records Management Improvement Committee No

Has not constituted a standing committee for the improvement of its records management. There were ad hoc committees constituted in 1970s.

6 Established a comprehensive records management program No Has no established records management program.

7Has a records management policy adopted and endorsed at the highest decision-making level and promulgated throughout the organization, with schedule of regular review

No Has no records management policy.

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ComplianceYes/No/Partial

Best practices in records management Evidence Remarks

8 Has manuals of instructions/operations on records management No

Though the chancellors of UP Manila issued various memoranda on records management implementation, there is no available manual for use of the records personnel.

9Documented the responsibilities of each records personnel and all other employees of the institution who perform tasks related to management of records

No Recordkeeping tasks are only reflected in the job description/performance evaluation form of the staff.

10Designed and implemented a records system to carry out and support the records management processes of the institution

No

Designing and implementation of records system must be a collective effort of all UPM units. An efficient records system must include all business processes of the campus. The implementation of a centralized receiving/releasing unit is just one aspect of records management. UPM should address all aspects of records management to ensure smooth business processes.

11Standardize the process in capturing records considering classification and indexing, logical arrangement, registration in the records system and metadata assignment

PartialUP Manila has a Document Assessment and Tracking System which is used to capture, register and track (with barcodes) the records of almost all incoming and outgoing communications in UP Manila.

This is just a basic system which do not address the complexity of the records that the office manages. This system must be properly documented.

12Established a centralized receiving/releasing and messengerial units under the accountability of the records officer

Yes The UP Manila has a central receiving/releasing unit called CPC supervised by a records officer.

13 Use of logbook or equivalent to record all officialrecords in chronological order Yes The records personnel maintains logbooks and DTS.

14 Established control system in records creation PartialAll memos, AOs and outgoing issuances of the Chancellor are controlled through number/letter codes. These are reviewed by the Chancellor and the AO prior to release.

This system must be properly documented.

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ComplianceYes/No/Partial

Best practices in records management Evidence Remarks

15 Use of retention and classification codes as soon as the records is created / captured No

Records for filing are compiled on a side table of the records personnel for filing during free-time. No codes or notes is assigned to the records upon receipt or filing.

16 Established standard in registration of records PartialUP Manila has a Document Assessment and Tracking System which is used to capture, register and track (with barcodes) the records of almost all incoming and outgoing communications in UP Manila.

This is just a basic system which do not address the complexity of the records that the office manages. This system must be properly documented. A manual should be promulagated to guide all records personnel in the campus.

17 Has prescribed file classification system for uniform filing system No

Classification system is not documented. Thus, the old practice is maintained or developed by the current records personnel. Drastic change cannot be implemented due to lack of supporting documents.

18 Has adequate records storage integrated with the overall records management program No

19Storage areas allocated to hold physical records have adequate space to accommodate anticipated growth

No

20 Has storage for non-current record integrated with the overall records management program Yes Non-active records are filed in the storage room

which is almost full. Records retention and disposition must be strictly observed to address this issue.

21Established an Agency Storage / Mini Archives for non-current records preparatory their transfer to NAP

NoThe storage room cannot be considered as mini-archives. UPM-OC has no plans yet to transfer any of its non-active records to NAP or any agency.

22 Has set standards and criteria to maximize filing equipment and floor space No Has no standard/criteria to maximize filing

equipment and floor space.

23Access to records storage areas is restricted to prevent unauthorised access, damage, theft or other catastrophic loss of records

YesSteel cabinets, boxes and the storage area are not accessible to any non-UPM-OC staff, this makes the records safe from any unauthorised access. Only the Chancellor, AO and the records personnel has access to these.

Active records are filed in the steel cabinets inside the office. Almost all cabinets are full. Boxes are placed on top of the cabinets and tables to accommodate increasing numbers of active records.

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ComplianceYes/No/Partial

Best practices in records management Evidence Remarks

24 Provided rules on how to handle confidential files NoBy practice, release of any confidential record must be approved by the Chancellor. To protect the records and UPM-OC, the rules in handling confidential records must be in place.

25 Has established finding aids in retrieving andaccessing records Partial

The DTS is the most efficient finding aids of the office. If not found in the DTS, the records personnel rely on his knowledge of the files.

Aside from DTS, other finding aids should be devised. Needs documentation.

26 Has tracking system for active records PartialUP Manila has a Document Assessment and Tracking System which is used to capture, register and track (with barcodes) the records of almost all incoming and outgoing communications in UP Manila.

Needs documentation.

27 Has an established records loaning system NoThe records personnel shared that most of the units call him to request for records. As a practice, he provide the requestor a photocopy of the record to avoid record loss. Establishment of a loaning system will prevent lost records, and to save on papers too.

28 Has rules in the proper turnover of records tosuccessor/NAP No No established rules.

29 Has an established guidelines on records transfercompliant with NAP rules No

30 Developed clear rules in transferring records toarchives No

31 Separation of records for disposal from those forfurther retention as suggested by NAP No

32 Compliant with the General Records DispositionSchedule (GRDS) of NAP No

33Uses an approved Retention Disposition Schedule(RDS) by NAP, listing all records which are not found in the GRDS

No

34 Use of retention code (RDS/GRDS) before therecords are filed No Retention codes are not identified before filing.

35 Has a disaster recovery plan for records No The office has no records disaster recovery plan.

The records personnel conduct disposition upon instruction ftom chief administrative officer. This practice is solely dependent on the knowledge of the personnel on the records.

By practice, non-record materials, like publications, magazines, etc., are sent to the library.Due to lack of time, records personnel barely review the records for possible disposition.

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ComplianceYes/No/Partial

Best practices in records management Evidence Remarks

36 Has an approved records inventory and appraisal schedule, at least once a year No

Since the records personnel just recently handled the records management in UPM-OC, 2 years ago, he has not inventoried the records of the office. He is also unaware of any effort in the past years.

37Conduct periodic examination of records at least once a year to identify valueless records for disposal

No Due to lack of time, records personnel barely review the records for possible disposition.

38 Has records preservation and restoration procedures as consulted with NAP No The office has no program for this.

39 Has recently performed a self-audit / review of records management practices No Has no records management audit plan.

40 Has preservation program for archival records No Has no program for this.41 Has an established system in managing electronic

records No42 Has adequate digital storage for electronic records No43 Has necessary back-up systems for electronic

records No

44Records management training is included in the organisation’s Education, Training & Development Plan

No

45 Has recently sent records personnel to a training No

46 There is provision for the regular review of training needs of personnel in-charge of records NoFindings:

Yes 4 9%No 37 80%

Partial 5 11%

Notes: - Records managers may opt to focus on items with partial compliance to meet the lacking requirements for eventual compliance. - Evidences and remarks are given to explain the findings of the audit.

With the implementation of eUP, the office is now starting to learn on and work with electronic records.

The records personnel shared that he is yet to attend any records management training, even basic records management trainings.Training programs should be listed as a regular project of UP with appropriate budget allocation. The training program must be promulgated and promoted. This can be done by assigning a coordinator for UP training program.

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Objective: To provide an overview of the records management practices in UP as compared with the provisions of ISO 15489 and RA 9470.Scope: Administrative record holdings of the top-level offices/records offices in UPMethodology:Survey questionnaire, interview and site visitUnit : UP Visayas Date: 01-May-15Note: The best practices listed below are from the provisions of ISO 15489 and RA 9470.

ComplianceYes/No/Partial

1 Observance of regulatory environment related torecords management (e.g. ISO 15489, RA 9470) No The records personnel is not familiar with any

legislation on records management.

2Use of approved / established records management tools (e.g. classification and filing guides, vocabulary controls, indexing, allocation of number and code)

NoThe records personnel shared that she uses a records classification scheme. But almost all practices of the office are not documented. The records management is dependent on the pratice of the AO and of the records personnel.

3 Has an official records and archives office / unitapproved by NAP and DBM No

The UPV-OC serves as the main records office in the campus. There should be an organic records office to comply with RA 9470 and ISO 15489.

4 Appointed qualified records officer and archivist No Records management is an additional task to the staff of the office.

5 Constituted a Records Management ImprovementCommittee No

Has not constituted a standing committee for the improvement of its records management. There weread hoc committees constituted in 1970s.

6 Established a comprehensive recordsmanagement program No Has no established records management program.

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Best practices in records management Evidence Remarks

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ComplianceYes/No/Partial

Best practices in records management Evidence Remarks

7Has a records management policy adopted and endorsed at the highest decision-making level and promulgated throughout the organization, with schedule of regular review

No Has no records management policy.

8 Has manuals of instructions/operations on records management No Has no compiled manual of instructions/operations.

9Documented the responsibilities of each records personnel and all other employees of the institution who perform tasks related to management of records

No Recordkeeping tasks are only reflected in the job description/performance evaluation form of the staff.

10Designed and implemented a records system to carry out and support the records management processes of the institution

NoDesigning and implementation of records system must be a collective effort of all UPV units. An efficient records system must include all business processes of the campus.

11Standardize the process in capturing records considering classification and indexing, logical arrangement, registration in the records system and metadata assignment

PartialUPV-OC uses logbook to capture records. This system is limited to processing of title, author/recipient, and date of receipt/release, and action taken of the records.

This is just a basic system which do not address the complexity of the records that the office manages. This system must be properly documented.

12Established a centralized receiving/releasing and messengerial units under the accountability of the records officer

PartialUPV-OC serves as the main receiving/releasing office in the campus as it process almost all types of records. There is no records officer in the office.

The system needs review and proper documented.

13 Use of logbook or equivalent to record all officialrecords in chronological order Yes UPV-OC uses logbook to capture records.

14 Established control system in records creation PartialAll memos, AOs and outgoing issuances of the Chancellor are controlled through letter/number codes. These issuances are reviewed by the Chancellor and the AO prior to release.

This system must be properly documented.

15 Use of retention and classification codes as soonas the records is created / captured No

Records for filing are compiled on side table of the records personnel for filing during free-time. No codes or notes is assigned to the records upon receipt or filing.

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ComplianceYes/No/Partial

Best practices in records management Evidence Remarks

16 Established standard in registration of records PartialUPV-OC uses logbook to capture records. This system is limited to processing of title, author/recipient, and date of receipt/release, and action taken of the records.

This is just a basic system which do not address the complexity of the records that the office manages. This system must be properly documented.

17 Has prescribed file classification system foruniform filing system No

According to the records personnel, she uses a classification scheme in managing records but not documented. Thus, further enhancement cannot be implemented due to lack of supporting documents.

18 Has adequate records storage integrated with theoverall records management program No

19Storage areas allocated to hold physical records have adequate space to accommodate anticipated growth

No

20 Has storage for non-current record integrated with the overall records management program Yes Non-active records are filed in the storage room

which is also almost full. Records retention and disposition must be strictly observed to address this issue.

21Established an Agency Storage / Mini Archives for non-current records preparatory their transfer to NAP

NoThe storage room cannot be considered as mini-archives. UPV-OC has not planned any transfer of non-active records to NAP or any agency.

22 Has set standards and criteria to maximize filingequipment and floor space No Has no standard/criteria to maximize filing

equipment and floor space.

23Access to records storage areas is restricted to prevent unauthorised access, damage, theft or other catastrophic loss of records

PartialSteel cabinets, boxes and the storage area are not accessible to any non-UPV-OC staff, this makes the records safe from any unauthorised access. Only the Chancellor, AO and the records personnel has access to these.

24 Provided rules on how to handle confidential files NoBy practice, release of any confidential record must be approved by the Chancellor. To protect the records and the UPV-OC, the rule in handling confidential records must be in place.

25 Has established finding aids in retrieving andaccessing records No

The records personnel rely on her knowledge of the files. Finding aid should be devised for use of the office.

Active records are filed in the steel/wooden cabinets inside the office. Almost all cabinets are full. Boxes are placed on top of the cabinets and tables to accommodate increasing numbers of active records.

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ComplianceYes/No/Partial

Best practices in records management Evidence Remarks

26 Has tracking system for active records PartialThe office rely on the logbook to track records. The office may consider devising new system for efficient tracking.

27 Has an established records loaning system No

The records personnel shared that most of the units call her to request for records. As a practice, she mostly provide a photocopy to prevent record loss. These requests are all listed in a logbook. Establishment of a loaning system will prevent lost records, and to save on papers too.

28 Has rules in the proper turnover of records tosuccessor/NAP No No established rules.

29 Has an established guidelines on records transfercompliant with NAP rules No No established rules.

30 Developed clear rules in transferring records toarchives No No established rules.

31 Separation of records for disposal from those forfurther retention as suggested by NAP No No established rules.

32 Compliant with the General Records DispositionSchedule (GRDS) of NAP No

33Uses an approved Retention Disposition Schedule(RDS) by NAP, listing all records which are not found in the GRDS

No

34 Use of retention code (RDS/GRDS) before therecords are filed No Retention codes are not identified before filing.

35 Has a disaster recovery plan for records No The office has no records disaster recovery plan.36 Has an approved records inventory and appraisal

schedule, at least once a year No The office has not done any records ineventory and appraisal.

37Conduct periodic examination of records at least once a year to identify valueless records for disposal

No Due to lack of time, records personnel barely review the records for possible disposition.

38 Has records preservation and restorationprocedures as consulted with NAP No The office has no program for this.

The records personnel conduct disposition upon instruction from the administrative officer or the Chancellor, or as the need arises. This practice is solely dependent on the knowledge of the personnel on the records.

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ComplianceYes/No/Partial

Best practices in records management Evidence Remarks

39 Has recently performed a self-audit / review of records management practices No Has no records management audit plan.

40 Has preservation program for archival records No Has no program for this.41 Has an established system in managing electronic

records No42 Has adequate digital storage for electronic records No43 Has necessary back-up systems for electronic

records No

44Records management training is included in the organisation’s Education, Training & Development Plan

No

45 Has recently sent records personnel to a training No

46 There is provision for the regular review of training needs of personnel in-charge of records NoFindings:

Yes 2 4%No 38 83%

Partial 6 13%

As per records personnel, their office is not yet ready for electronic records.

The records personnel shared that he is yet to attend any records management training, even basic records management trainings.Training programs should be listed as a regular project of UP with appropriate budget allocation. The training program must be promulgated and promoted. This can be done by assigning a coordinator for UP training program.Notes: - Records managers may opt to focus on items with partial compliance to meet the lacking requirements for eventual compliance. - Evidences and remarks are given to explain the findings of the audit.

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Objective: To provide an overview of the records management practices in UP as compared with the provisions of ISO 15489 and RA 9470.Scope: Administrative record holdings of the top-level offices/records offices in UPMethodology:Survey questionnaire, interview and site visitUnit : UP Open University Date: 01-May-15Note: The best practices listed below are from the provisions of ISO 15489 and RA 9470.

ComplianceYes/No/Partial

1 Observance of regulatory environment related to records management (e.g. ISO 15489, RA 9470) No

The records officer is familiar with RA 9470 but the provisions are not implemented in their records management practices.

2Use of approved / established records management tools (e.g. classification and filing guides, vocabulary controls, indexing, allocation of number and code)

Partial UPOU-OC is using a file classification guide. This is just a listing of all the folder/cabinet drawers the office has. No other tool is used.

3 Has an official records and archives office / unit approved by NAP and DBM No

UPOU has no records office. Each office manages its own records. There is a plan to establish a records center in UPOU but because of the dearth in plantilla items, this plan is kept in the pipeline.

4 Appointed qualified records officer and archivist No Records management is an additional task to the staff of the office.

5 Constituted a Records Management Improvement Committee No

Has not constituted a standing committee for the improvement of its records management. There were ad hoc committees constituted in 1970s.

6 Established a comprehensive records management program No Has no established records management program.

7Has a records management policy adopted and endorsed at the highest decision-making level and promulgated throughout the organization, with schedule of regular review

No Has no records management policy.

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ComplianceYes/No/Partial

Best practices in records management Evidence Remarks

8 Has manuals of instructions/operations on records management No Has no compiled manual of instructions/operations.

9Documented the responsibilities of each records personnel and all other employees of the institution who perform tasks related to management of records

No Recordkeeping tasks are only reflected in the job description/performance evaluation form of the staff.

10Designed and implemented a records system to carry out and support the records management processes of the institution

NoDesigning and implementation of records system must be a collective effort of all UPOU units. An efficient records system must include all business processes of the campus.

11Standardize the process in capturing records considering classification and indexing, logical arrangement, registration in the records system and metadata assignment

PartialUPOU-OC uses logbook and UP DTS to capture/register/track records. This is the general practice that needs to be reviewed.

This should be reviewed and should be documented comprehensively for any future development.

12Established a centralized receiving/releasing and messengerial units under the accountability of the records officer

PartialUPOU-OC serves as the main receiving/releasing office in the campus as it process almost all types of records. There is no records officer in the office. The main messengerial function within the campus is assigned to the HRDO.

This should be reviewed and should be documented comprehensively for any future development.

13 Use of logbook or equivalent to record all officialrecords in chronological order Yes UPOU-OC uses logbook and UP DTS to

capture/register/track records. This should be reviewed and should be documented comprehensively for any future development.

14 Established control system in records creation PartialAll memos, AOs and outgoing issuances of the Chancellor are controlled through letter/number codes. These are reviewed by the Chancellor and the AO prior to release.

This system must be properly documented.

15 Use of retention and classification codes as soonas the records is created / captured Partial

The records officer/AO gives intructions to the records personnel (through written notes) on the classification, index, and retention for few select records of the office. This is not performed for all the records.

This should be reviewed and should be documented comprehensively for any future development.

16 Established standard in registration of records Partial UPOU-OC uses logbook and UP DTS to capture/register/track records.

This should be reviewed and should be documented comprehensively for any future development.

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ComplianceYes/No/Partial

Best practices in records management Evidence Remarks

17 Has prescribed file classification system foruniform filing system Partial UPOU-OC is using a file classification guide.

This is just a listing of all the folder/cabinet drawers the office has. A comprehensive classification system should be crafted.

18 Has adequate records storage integrated with theoverall records management program No

19Storage areas allocated to hold physical records have adequate space to accommodate anticipated growth

No

20 Has storage for non-current record integratedwith the overall records management program Yes Non-active records are filed in the storage room

which is also almost full. Records retention and disposition must be strictly observed to address this issue.

21Established an Agency Storage / Mini Archives for non-current records preparatory their transfer to NAP

NoThe storage room cannot be considered as mini-archives. UPOU-OC has not planned any transfer of non-active records to NAP or any agency.

22 Has set standards and criteria to maximize filingequipment and floor space No Has no standard/criteria to maximize filing

equipment and floor space.

23Access to records storage areas is restricted to prevent unauthorised access, damage, theft or other catastrophic loss of records

PartialSteel cabinets, boxes and the storage area are not accessible to any non-UPOU-OC staff, this makes therecords safe from any unauthorised access. Only the Chancellor, AO and the records personnel has access to these.

24 Provided rules on how to handle confidential files NoBy practice, release of any confidential record must be approved by the Chancellor. To protect the records and the UPOU-OC, the rule in handling confidential records must be in place.

25 Has established finding aids in retrieving andaccessing records Partial

26 Has tracking system for active records Partial

Active records are filed in the steel/wooden cabinets inside the office. Almost all cabinets are full. Boxes are placed on top of the cabinets and tables to accommodate increasing numbers of active records. But UPOU has plans for new building which can accommodate a new records storage.

UPOU-OC uses logbook and UP DTS to capture/register/track records.

If not found in logbook and DTS, the records personnel rely on her knowledge of the files. Other finding aid should be devised for use of the office. This should be reviewed and should be documented comprehensively for any future development.

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ComplianceYes/No/Partial

Best practices in records management Evidence Remarks

27 Has an established records loaning system No

The records personnel shared that most of the units call her to request for records. As a practice, she mostly provide a photocopy to prevent record loss. These requests are all listed in a logbook. The establishment of a loaning system will prevent lost records, and to save on papers too.

28 Has rules in the proper turnover of records tosuccessor/NAP No No established rules.

29 Has an established guidelines on records transfercompliant with NAP rules No

30 Developed clear rules in transferring records toarchives No

31 Separation of records for disposal from those forfurther retention as suggested by NAP No As shared by the records personnel, they are not yet

disposing any record. 32 Compliant with the General Records Disposition

Schedule (GRDS) of NAP No

33Uses an approved Retention Disposition Schedule(RDS) by NAP, listing all records which are not found in the GRDS

No

34 Use of retention code (RDS/GRDS) before therecords are filed No No retention code is used.

35 Has a disaster recovery plan for records No The office has no records disaster recovery plan.36 Has an approved records inventory and appraisal

schedule, at least once a year No The office has not done any records ineventory and appraisal.

37Conduct periodic examination of records at least once a year to identify valueless records for disposal

NoAs shared by the records personnel, they are not yet disposing any record, and has no plan at the moment to dispose any record.

38 Has records preservation and restorationprocedures as consulted with NAP No The office has no program for this.

By practice, non-record materials, like publications, magazines, etc., are sent to the library.Due to lack of time, records personnel barely review the records for possible disposition.

As shared by the records personnel, they are not yet disposing any record. They plan to consult the GRDS of NAP as soon as a disposal schedule is up.

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ComplianceYes/No/Partial

Best practices in records management Evidence Remarks

39 Has recently performed a self-audit / review ofrecords management practices No Has no records management audit plan.

40 Has preservation program for archival records No Has no program for this.41 Has an established system in managing electronic

records No42 Has adequate digital storage for electronic

records Partial43 Has necessary back-up systems for electronic

records No

44Records management training is included in the organisation’s Education, Training & Development Plan

Partial

45 Has recently sent records personnel to a training Yes46 There is provision for the regular review of

training needs of personnel in-charge of records NoFindings:

Yes 3 7%No 31 67%

Partial 12 26%

The office manages 20% electronic records. The records personnel confirmed that this percentage may increase soon. A manual on e-records management must be crafted.

Training programs should be listed as a regular project of UP with appropriate budget allocation. The training program must be promulgated and promoted. This can be done by assigning a coordinator for UP training program.

Notes: - Records managers may opt to focus on items withpartial compliance to meet the lacking requirements for eventual compliance. - Evidences and remarks are given to explain thefindings of the audit.

Records personnel upon receipt of an invitation for a training, request approval from their head to attend such training. The administration seems supportive of her plan to improve her skills on records management.

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Objective: To provide an overview of the records management practices in UP as compared with the provisions of ISO 15489 and RA 9470.Scope: Administrative record holdings of the top-level offices/records offices in UPMethodology:Survey questionnaire, interview and site visitUnit : UP Mindanao Date: 01-May-15Note: The best practices listed below are from the provisions of ISO 15489 and RA 9470.

ComplianceYes/No/Partial

1 Observance of regulatory environment related torecords management (e.g. ISO 15489, RA 9470) No

The records personnel are familiar with ISO 15489 and RA 9470. With the creation of a records management team (2014-2016), the unit is now on its way to complying with relevant regulations of records mangement.

2Use of approved / established records management tools (e.g. classification and filing guides, vocabulary controls, indexing, allocation of number and code)

NoThe records personnel have records management tools on file, which was from a previous seminar/training, but barely consult it.

3 Has an official records and archives office / unitapproved by NAP and DBM No UP Mindanao has no official records office at the

moment, but has plans of establishing one.4 Appointed qualified records officer and archivist No Records management is an additional task to the staff

of the office. 5 Constituted a Records Management Improvement

Committee PartialUP Mindanao constituted a records management team in 2014. The appointment of the committee members are only up to 2016.

Has not constituted a standing committee for the improvement of its records management. There weread hoc committees constituted in 1970s.

6 Established a comprehensive recordsmanagement program No

7Has a records management policy adopted and endorsed at the highest decision-making level and promulgated throughout the organization, with schedule of regular review

No

University of the PhilippinesSelf-Audit Tool for Records Management

Best practices in records management Evidence Remarks

The office has no established records management program yet. The records management team 2014-2016 is expected to come up with a records management/archiving system and manual for the entire campus.

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Best practices in records management Evidence Remarks

8 Has manuals of instructions/operations on records management No

The office has no records management manual yet. The records management team 2014-2016 is expected to come up with a records management/archiving system and manual for the entire campus.

9Documented the responsibilities of each records personnel and all other employees of the institution who perform tasks related to management of records

No Recordkeeping tasks are only reflected in the job description/performance evaluation form of the staff.

10Designed and implemented a records system to carry out and support the records management processes of the institution

NoDesigning and implementation of records system must be a collective effort of all UPMin units. An efficient records system must include all business processes of the campus.

11Standardize the process in capturing records considering classification and indexing, logical arrangement, registration in the records system and metadata assignment

Partial UPMin-OC uses logbook and UP DTS to capture/register/track records.

This should be reviewed and should be documented comprehensively for any future update. The process depends on the practice of the current records personnel. The output of the records management team may include the development of this process.

12Established a centralized receiving/releasing and messengerial units under the accountability of the records officer

No Each unit of the campus has its own receiving/releasing and messengerial units.

13 Use of logbook or equivalent to record all official records in chronological order Yes UPMin-OC uses logbook and UP DTS to

capture/register/track records.

This should be reviewed and should be documented comprehensively for any future update. The process depends on the practice of the current records personnel. The output of the records management team may include the development of this process.

14 Established control system in records creation PartialAll memos, AOs and outgoing issuances of the Chancellor are controlled through number codes. These issuances are reviewed by the Chancellor and the AO prior to release.

This should be reviewed and should be documented comprehensively for any future update. The process depends on the practice of the current records personnel.

15 Use of retention and classification codes as soon as the records is created / captured No

The campus has no systematic retention and classification system yet but the records management team is expected to propose a system.

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ComplianceYes/No/Partial

Best practices in records management Evidence Remarks

16 Established standard in registration of records Partial UPMin-OC uses logbook and UP DTS tocapture/register/track records.

This should be reviewed and should be documented comprehensively for any future update. The process depends on the practice of the current records personnel. The output of the records management team may include the development of this process.

17 Has prescribed file classification system foruniform filing system No

The campus has no systematic retention and classification system yet. This system must be reviewed and should be documented comprehensively for any future update. The process depends on the practice of the current records personnel. The output of the records management team may include the development of this process.

18 Has adequate records storage integrated with theoverall records management program No

19Storage areas allocated to hold physical records have adequate space to accommodate anticipated growth

No

20 Has storage for non-current record integrated with the overall records management program Yes

Non-active records are filed in the storage room which is also almost full. Records retention and disposition must be strictly observed to address this issue.

As per records personnel, their storage room is for UPMin-OC records only. Each office of the campus has an allocation of one storage room.

21Established an Agency Storage / Mini Archives for non-current records preparatory their transfer to NAP

Partial Storage room of the office is almost full. Compliance with the GRDS of NAP and RDS of the agency is very much needed.

22 Has set standards and criteria to maximize filingequipment and floor space No The office has no standard/criteria to maximize filing

equipment and floor space.

23Access to records storage areas is restricted to prevent unauthorised access, damage, theft or other catastrophic loss of records

PartialSteel cabinets, boxes and the storage area are not accessible to any non-UPMin-OC staff, this makes the records safe from any unauthorised access. Only the Chancellor, AO and the records personnel have access to these.

Active records are filed in the steel cabinets inside the office. Almost all cabinets are full. Boxes are placed on top of the cabinets and tables to accommodate increasing numbers of active records. The office is not ready for future expansion of active records as they lack not only in storage room but alsothe workforce.

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ComplianceYes/No/Partial

Best practices in records management Evidence Remarks

24 Provided rules on how to handle confidential files NoBy practice, release of any confidential record must be approved by the Chancellor. This rule should be reviewed and should be documented comprehensively for any future update.

25 Has established finding aids in retrieving andaccessing records Partial

The DTS is the most efficient finding aid of the office. If not found in the DTS, the records personnel rely on his knowledge of the files.

This should be reviewed and should be documented comprehensively for any future update. The process depends on the practice of the current records personnel. The output of the records management team may include the development of this process.

26 Has tracking system for active records Partial UPMin-OC uses logbook and UP DTS tocapture/register/track records.

This should be reviewed and should be documented comprehensively for any future update. The process depends on the practice of the current records personnel. The output of the records management team may include the development of this process.

27 Has an established records loaning system Partial The office uses logbook to record on loan recordsand has no period set for on loan records.

This should be reviewed and should be documented comprehensively for any future update. The process depends on the practice of the current records personnel. The output of the records management team may include the development of this process.

28 Has rules in the proper turnover of records tosuccessor/NAP No The office has no established rules.

29 Has an established guidelines on records transfercompliant with NAP rules No The office has no established guidelines.

30 Developed clear rules in transferring records toarchives No By practice, the office usually transfer records to

archives after the term of a chancellor (3 years).31 Separation of records for disposal from those for

further retention as suggested by NAP No The office has no established rules.32 Compliant with the General Records Disposition

Schedule (GRDS) of NAP No

33Uses an approved Retention Disposition Schedule(RDS) by NAP, listing all records which are not found in the GRDS

NoThe records management team is expected to developa records retention and disposition schedule.

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ComplianceYes/No/Partial

Best practices in records management Evidence Remarks

34 Use of retention code (RDS/GRDS) before the records are filed No Retention codes are not identified before filing.

35 Has a disaster recovery plan for records No The office has no records disaster recovery plan.36 Has an approved records inventory and appraisal

schedule, at least once a year No

37Conduct periodic examination of records at least once a year to identify valueless records for disposal

No

38 Has records preservation and restoration procedures as consulted with NAP No The office has no program for this.

39 Has recently performed a self-audit / review of records management practices No The office has no records management audit plan.

40 Has preservation program for archival records No The office has no program for this.41 Has an established system in managing electronic

records No

42 Has adequate digital storage for electronic records No

43 Has necessary back-up systems for electronic records No

44Records management training is included in the organisation’s Education, Training & Development Plan

Partial

45 Has recently sent records personnel to a training Yes46 There is provision for the regular review of

training needs of personnel in-charge of records NoFindings:

Yes 3 7%No 33 72%

Partial 10 22%

Records personnel upon receipt of an invitation for a training, request approval from their head to attend such training. The administration seems supportive of her plan to improve her skills on records management.

The office usually review its records every 3 years, after the term of a chancellor. This should be reviewed and should be documented comprehensively for any future update.

Notes: - Records managers may opt to focus on items with partial compliance to meet the lacking requirements for eventual compliance. - Evidences and remarks are given to explain the findings of the audit.

With the implementation of eUP, the office is now starting to learn on and work with electronic records. Almost 20% of the records of the office are now in electronic format. The electronic records management system must be documented at this early stage. The back-up systems should be in place.Training programs should be listed as a regular project of UP with appropriate budget allocation. The training program must be promulgated and promoted. This can be done by assigning a coordinator for UP training program.

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Objective: To provide an overview of the records management practices in UP as compared with the provisions of ISO 15489 and RA 9470.Scope: Administrative record holdings of the top-level offices/records offices in UPMethodology:Survey questionnaire, interview and site visitUnit : UP Baguio Date: 01-May-15Note: The best practices listed below are from the provisions of ISO 15489 and RA 9470.

ComplianceYes/No/Partial

1 Observance of regulatory environment related torecords management (e.g. ISO 15489, RA 9470) No

The records personnel is familiar with ISO 15489 and RA 9470. She has plans to comply with said regulations.

2Use of approved / established records management tools (e.g. classification and filing guides, vocabulary controls, indexing, allocation of number and code)

NoThough the records personnel has a copy of NAP RDS, she admitted that she barely consult the schedule. She also tried to inventory their records in 1996 but instead came up with a general listing of all folders in their steel cabinets of the office.

3 Has an official records and archives office / unitapproved by NAP and DBM No The office has no plans yet.

4 Appointed qualified records officer and archivist No Records management is an additional task to the staff of the office.

5 Constituted a Records Management ImprovementCommittee No

Has not constituted a standing committee for the improvement of its records management. There were ad hoc committees constituted in 1970s.

6 Established a comprehensive records managementprogram No The office has no established records management

program.

7Has a records management policy adopted and endorsed at the highest decision-making level andpromulgated throughout the organization, with schedule of regular review

No The office has no records management policy.

8 Has manuals of instructions/operations on recordsmanagement No The office has no manuals of instructions/operations

on records management.

University of the PhilippinesSelf-Audit Tool for Records Management

Best practices in records management Evidence Remarks

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ComplianceYes/No/Partial

Best practices in records management Evidence Remarks

9Documented the responsibilities of each records personnel and all other employees of the institution who perform tasks related to management of records

No Recordkeeping tasks are only reflected in the job description/performance evaluation form of the staff.

10Designed and implemented a records system to carry out and support the records management processes of the institution

NoDesigning and implementation of records system must be a collective effort of all UPB units. An efficient records system must include all business processes of the campus.

11Standardize the process in capturing records considering classification and indexing, logical arrangement, registration in the records system and metadata assignment

Partial UPB-OC uses logbook to capture/register/track records.

This should be reviewed and should be documented comprehensively for any future update.

12Established a centralized receiving/releasing and messengerial units under the accountability of the records officer

PartialThe UPB-OC is the central receiving/releasing unit ofUPB. It has pigeon hole shelving units to systematizethis additional function. This is only supervised by the records personnel staff of OC, not by any records officer.

This should be reviewed and should be documented comprehensively for any future update. A records officer should supervise this function.

13 Use of logbook or equivalent to record all officialrecords in chronological order Yes The records personnel maintains two logbooks.

This should be reviewed and should be documented comprehensively for any future update. The process depends on the practice of the current records personnel.

14 Established control system in records creation PartialMemoranda are issued with control numbers. The Chancellor review most of the outgoing issuances prior to release.

This should be reviewed and should be documented comprehensively for any future update.

15 Use of retention and classification codes as soonas the records is created / captured No

Records for filing are compiled on the side table of the records personnel for filing during free-time. No codes or notes is assigned to the records upon receipt or filing.

16 Established standard in registration of records Partial UPB-OC uses logbook to capture/register/trackrecords.

This should be reviewed and should be documented comprehensively for any future update.

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ComplianceYes/No/Partial

Best practices in records management Evidence Remarks

17 Has prescribed file classification system for uniform filing system Partial

In 1996, the records personnel came up with the listing of all file folders in their records storage. She updates this list, in longhand, everytime a new folder is created.

The records personnel shared that her folder listing file in her computer was compromised during the ICT upgrade of OC. This process be reviewed and should be documented comprehensively for any future update. The process depends on the practice of the current records personnel.

18 Has adequate records storage integrated with the overall records management program No

19Storage areas allocated to hold physical records have adequate space to accommodate anticipated growth

No

20 Has storage for non-current record integrated with the overall records management program Partial Most of the non-active records are filed in the Board

room.

21Established an Agency Storage / Mini Archives for non-current records preparatory their transfer to NAP

No

22 Has set standards and criteria to maximize filing equipment and floor space No Has no standard/criteria to maximize filing

equipment and floor space.

23Access to records storage areas is restricted to prevent unauthorised access, damage, theft or other catastrophic loss of records

PartialBecause of the peculiar location of the storage area, records are safe from any unauthorised access. The Board room and the records room are both locked. Only the records personnel has the key to open the doors.

The room is not designed for recordkeeping. Vital records of UPB-OC should be kept in record-friendly storage area.

24 Provided rules on how to handle confidential files NoBy practice, release of any confidential record must be approved by the Chancellor. This rule should be reviewed and should be documented comprehensively for any future update.

The room is not designed for recordkeeping. Vital records of UPB-OC should be kept in record-friendly storage area.

According to the records personnel, they used to have a storage room for records. But since the room was converted into an office, they are storing their non-active records in the Board room. She added that during meetings in the Board room, their records are temporary inaccesible. This room is not designed for recordkeeping.

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ComplianceYes/No/Partial

Best practices in records management Evidence Remarks

25 Has established finding aids in retrieving andaccessing records Partial

In 1996, the records personnel came up with the listing of all file folders in their records storage, though there is no guarrantee that the record can be found in related folders since the list contains folder names only.

This rule should be reviewed and should be documented comprehensively for any future update.

26 Has tracking system for active records PartialUPB-OC uses logbook to capture/register/track records. Additionally, records referred to other offices are tracked through hand-written notes of the records personnel.

The office may consider devising new system for efficient tracking. This should be reviewed and should be documented comprehensively for any future update.

27 Has an established records loaning system No

The records personnel shared that most of the units call her for help when locating records. As a practice, she provide the requestor a photocopy of the record to avoid record loss.As a practice, she mostly provide a photocopy to prevent record loss. The establishment of a loaning system will prevent lost records, and to save on papers too.

28 Has rules in the proper turnover of records tosuccessor/NAP No No established rules.

29 Has an established guidelines on records transfercompliant with NAP rules No

30 Developed clear rules in transferring records toarchives No

31 Separation of records for disposal from those forfurther retention as suggested by NAP No No established rules.

32 Compliant with the General Records DispositionSchedule (GRDS) of NAP No

33Uses an approved Retention Disposition Schedule (RDS) by NAP, listing all records which are not found in the GRDS

No

34 Use of retention code (RDS/GRDS) before therecords are filed No

Records for filing are compiled on the side table of the records personnel for filing during free-time. No codes or notes are assigned to the records upon receipt or filing.

Though the records personnel has a copy of NAP RDS, she admitted that she barely consult the schedule.

By practice, non-record materials, like publications, magazines, etc., are sent to the library. The process needs documentation because it heavily depends on the practice of the current records personnel.

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ComplianceYes/No/Partial

Best practices in records management Evidence Remarks35 Has a disaster recovery plan for records No The office has no records disaster recovery plan.36 Has an approved records inventory and appraisal

schedule, at least once a year No Their last comprehensive records review was in 1996.

37Conduct periodic examination of records at least once a year to identify valueless records for disposal

No Their last comprehensive records review was in 1996.

38 Has records preservation and restoration procedures as consulted with NAP No The office has no program for this.

39 Has recently performed a self-audit / review of records management practices No Has no records management audit plan.

40 Has preservation program for archival records No The office has no program for this.

41 Has an established system in managing electronic records No

Though the office is starting to digitize some of its records, a system is yet to be established. The office must gradually document its electronic records management at this early stage.

42 Has adequate digital storage for electronic records NoAt the moment, their electronic records are saved on to CDs/DVDs and computer hard disk only. They plan to purchase external hard drive to back up their electronic records.

43 Has necessary back-up systems for electronic records No The office plans to purchase external hard drive to

back up their electronic records.44

Records management training is included in the organisation’s Education, Training & Development Plan

Partial

45 Has recently sent records personnel to a training Yes

46 There is provision for the regular review of training needs of personnel in-charge of records NoFindings:

Yes 2 4%No 34 74%

Partial 10 22%

Notes: - Records managers may opt to focus on items with partial compliance to meet the lacking requirements for eventual compliance. - Evidences and remarks are given to explain the findings of the audit.

Records personnel upon receipt of an invitation for a training, request approval from their head to attend such training. The administration seems supportive of her plan to improve her skills on records management.

Training programs should be listed as a regular project of UP with appropriate budget allocation. The training program must be promulgated and promoted. This can be done by assigning a coordinator for UP training program.

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Objective: To provide an overview of the records management practices in UP as compared with the provisions of ISO 15489 and RA 9470.Scope: Administrative record holdings of the top-level offices/records offices in UPMethodology:Survey questionnaire, interview and site visitUnit : UP Cebu Date: 01-May-15Note: The best practices listed below are from the provisions of ISO 15489 and RA 9470.

ComplianceYes/No/Partial

1 Observance of regulatory environment related torecords management (e.g. ISO 15489, RA 9470) No

The records personnel are familiar with RA 9470 but did admit that they are not complying with its provisions.

2Use of approved / established records management tools (e.g. classification and filing guides, vocabulary controls, indexing, allocation of number and code)

Partial The office is using a records classification scheme.No other tool is used.

UP Cebu should devise other tool to manage its records effectively.

3 Has an official records and archives office / unitapproved by NAP and DBM No UP Cebu has no records office. Each office manages

its own records. 4 Appointed qualified records officer and archivist No Records management is an additional task to the staff

of the office.

5 Constituted a Records Management ImprovementCommittee No

Has not constituted a standing committee for the improvement of its records management. There were ad hoc committees constituted in 1970s.

6 Established a comprehensive records managementprogram No The office has no established records management

program.

7Has a records management policy adopted and endorsed at the highest decision-making level and promulgated throughout the organization, with schedule of regular review

No The office has no records management policy.

University of the PhilippinesSelf-Audit Tool for Records Management

Best practices in records management Evidence Remarks

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ComplianceYes/No/Partial

Best practices in records management Evidence Remarks

8 Has manuals of instructions/operations on recordsmanagement No The office has no manuals of instructions/operations

on records management.

9Documented the responsibilities of each records personnel and all other employees of the institution who perform tasks related to management of records

No Recordkeeping tasks are only reflected in the job description/performance evaluation form of the staff.

10Designed and implemented a records system to carry out and support the records management processes of the institution

NoDesigning and implementation of records system must be a collective effort of all UP Cebu units. An efficient records system must include all business processes of the campus.

11Standardize the process in capturing records considering classification and indexing, logical arrangement, registration in the records system and metadata assignment

Partial UP Cebu Dean's Office uses logbook and UP DTS tocapture/register/track records.

This should be reviewed and should be documented comprehensively for any future update.

12Established a centralized receiving/releasing and messengerial units under the accountability of the records officer

No Each unit of the college has its own receiving/releasing and messengerial units.

13 Use of logbook or equivalent to record all officialrecords in chronological order Yes UP Cebu Dean's Office uses logbook and UP DTS to

capture/register/track records. This should be reviewed and should be documented comprehensively for any future update.

14 Established control system in records creation PartialAll memos, AOs and outgoing issuances of the Dean are controlled through uniform title system. These issuances are reviewed by the Dean prior to release.

This should be reviewed and should be documented comprehensively for any future update.

15 Use of retention and classification codes as soonas the records is created / captured No The office has no established rules.

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ComplianceYes/No/Partial

Best practices in records management Evidence Remarks

16 Established standard in registration of records Partial UP Cebu Dean's Office uses logbook and UP DTS tocapture/register/track records.

This should be reviewed and should be documented comprehensively for any future update.

17 Has prescribed file classification system foruniform filing system Partial According to the records personnel, they have a

records classification guide. This should be reviewed and should be documented comprehensively for any future update.

18 Has adequate records storage integrated with theoverall records management program No

19Storage areas allocated to hold physical records have adequate space to accommodate anticipated growth

No

20 Has storage for non-current record integrated withthe overall records management program Partial Only the HR and student non-active records are kept

in the storage room of UP Cebu.Review the types of records for storage. The university records are far more encompassing than just HR and student records. UP Cebu Dean's Office records are also considered vital records.

21Established an Agency Storage / Mini Archives for non-current records preparatory their transfer to NAP

NoThe storage room cannot be considered as mini-archives. UP Cebu has not planned any transfer of non-active records to NAP or any agency.

22 Has set standards and criteria to maximize filingequipment and floor space No The office has no standard/criteria to maximize filing

equipment and floor space.

Active records are filed in the steel/wooden cabinets inside the office. Almost all cabinets are full. Some boxes are placed on top of the cabinets and tables to accommodate increasing numbers of active records. The records personnel shared that they are not yet ready for future growth of records because of limited storage and limited workforce.

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ComplianceYes/No/Partial

Best practices in records management Evidence Remarks

23Access to records storage areas is restricted to prevent unauthorised access, damage, theft or other catastrophic loss of records

PartialSteel cabinets, boxes and the electronic storage systems are not accessible to any non-UP Cebu Dean's office staff, this makes the records safe from any unauthorised access. Only the Dean and the records personnel has access to these.

24 Provided rules on how to handle confidential files NoBy practice, release of any confidential record must be approved by the Dean. To protect the records and the office, the rule in handling confidential records must be in place.

25 Has established finding aids in retrieving andaccessing records Partial

When not found in logbook and DTS, the records personnel rely on her knowledge of the files. Other finding aids should be devised for efficient records management.

26 Has tracking system for active records PartialThis should be reviewed and should be documented comprehensively for any future update. The process depends on the practice of the current records personnel.

27 Has an established records loaning system No

The records personnel shared that most of the units call her to request for records. As a practice, she mostly provide a photocopy to prevent record loss. This requests are all listed in a logbook. The establishment of a loaning system will prevent lost records and to save on papers too.

28 Has rules in the proper turnover of records tosuccessor/NAP No The office has established rules.

29 Has an established guidelines on records transfercompliant with NAP rules No By practice, non-record materials, like publications,

magazines, etc., are kept by the office.

UP Cebu Dean's Office uses logbook and UPS DTS to capture/register/track records.

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ComplianceYes/No/Partial

Best practices in records management Evidence Remarks

30 Developed clear rules in transferring records toarchives No

31 Separation of records for disposal from those forfurther retention as suggested by NAP No

32 Compliant with the General Records DispositionSchedule (GRDS) of NAP No

33Uses an approved Retention Disposition Schedule (RDS) by NAP, listing all records which are not found in the GRDS

No

34 Use of retention code (RDS/GRDS) before therecords are filed No No retention code is used by the office.

35 Has a disaster recovery plan for records No The office has no records disaster recovery plan.

36 Has an approved records inventory and appraisalschedule, at least once a year No The office has no approved records ineventory and

appraisal schedule.

37Conduct periodic examination of records at least once a year to identify valueless records for disposal

Partial The office try to review its records annually. This should be reviewed and should be documented.

38 Has records preservation and restorationprocedures as consulted with NAP No The office has no program for this.

39 Has recently performed a self-audit / review ofrecords management practices No The office has no records management audit plan.

40 Has preservation program for archival records No The office has no program for this.41 Has an established system in managing electronic

records No

Due to lack of time, records personnel barely review the records for possible disposition.

The office is starting to manage electronic records.

Retention and disposal of records are dependent on the practice and knowledge of the files of the records personnel. Records for destruction is approved by the Dean.

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ComplianceYes/No/Partial

Best practices in records management Evidence Remarks

42 Has adequate digital storage for electronic records No43 Has necessary back-up systems for electronic

records No

44Records management training is included in the organisation’s Education, Training & Development Plan

No

45 Has recently sent records personnel to a training No

46 There is provision for the regular review oftraining needs of personnel in-charge of records NoFindings:

Yes 1 2%No 35 76%

Partial 10 22%

They are now in the process of meeting the hardware requirements of e-records management. The system must also be documented at this early stage.

The records personnel shared that he is yet to attend any records management training, even basic records management trainings.Training programs should be listed as a regular project of UP with appropriate budget allocation. The training program must be promulgated and promoted. This can be done by assigning a coordinator for UP training program.Notes: - Records managers may opt to focus on items withpartial compliance to meet the lacking requirements for eventual compliance. - Evidences and remarks are given to explain thefindings of the audit.

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Objective: Scope: Methodology:Unit : Date:Note: The best practices listed below are from the provisions of ISO 15489 and RA 9470.

ComplianceYes/No/Partial

1 Observance of regulatory environment related to recordsmanagement (e.g. ISO 15489, RA 9470)

2Use of approved / established records management tools (e.g. classification and filing guides, vocabulary controls, indexing, allocation of number and code)

3 Has an official records and archives office / unit approved by NAP and DBM

4 Appointed qualified records officer and archivist5 Constituted a Records Management Improvement Committee6 Established a comprehensive records management program7

Has a records management policy adopted and endorsed at the highest decision-making level and promulgated throughout the organization, with schedule of regular review

8 Has manuals of instructions/operations on records management

9Documented the responsibilities of each records personnel and all other employees of the institution who perform tasks related to management of records

10 Designed and implemented a records system to carry out andsupport the records management processes of the institution

11Standardize the process in capturing records considering classification and indexing, logical arrangement, registration in the records system and metadata assignment

12 Established a centralized receiving/releasing and messengerialunits under the accountability of the records officer

University of the PhilippinesSelf-Audit Tool for Records Management

Best practices in records management Evidence Remarks

Appendix I-B

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ComplianceYes/No/Partial

Best practices in records management Evidence Remarks

13 Use of logbook or equivalent to record all official records inchronological order

14 Established control system in records creation15 Use of retention and classification codes as soon as the records

is created / captured16 Established standard in registration of records17 Has prescribed file classification system for uniform filing

system18 Has adequate records storage integrated with the overall

records management program19 Storage areas allocated to hold physical records have adequate

space to accommodate anticipated growth20 Has storage for non-current record integrated with the overall

records management program21 Established an Agency Storage / Mini Archives for non-current

records preparatory their transfer to NAP22 Has set standards and criteria to maximize filing equipment and

floor space23

Access to records storage areas is restricted to prevent unauthorised access, damage, theft or other catastrophic loss of records

24 Provided rules on how to handle confidential files25 Has established finding aids in retrieving and accessing records26 Has tracking system for active records27 Has an established records loaning system28 Has rules in the proper turnover of records to successor/NAP29 Has an established guidelines on records transfer compliant

with NAP rules30 Developed clear rules in transferring records to archives31 Separation of records for disposal from those for further

retention as suggested by NAP32 Compliant with the General Records Disposition Schedule

(GRDS) of NAP197

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ComplianceYes/No/Partial

Best practices in records management Evidence Remarks

33 Uses an approved Retention Disposition Schedule (RDS) by NAP, listing all records which are not found in the GRDS

34 Use of retention code (RDS/GRDS) before the records are filed35 Has a disaster recovery plan for records36 Has an approved records inventory and appraisal schedule, at

least once a year37 Conduct periodic examination of records at least once a year to

identify valueless records for disposal38 Has records preservation and restoration procedures as

consulted with NAP39 Has recently performed a self-audit / review of records

management practices40 Has preservation program for archival records41 Has an established system in managing electronic records42 Has adequate digital storage for electronic records43 Has necessary back-up systems for electronic records44 Records management training is included in the organisation’s

Education, Training & Development Plan45 Has recently sent records personnel to a training46 There is provision for the regular review of training needs of

the personnelFindings:

YesNo

Partial

Notes: - Records managers may opt to focus on items with partial compliance to meet the lacking requirements for eventual compliance. - Evidences and remarks are given to explain the findings of the audit.

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Unit: Office of the UP President (OP)Description:

Head: President Alfredo E. Pascual

Reference:

Organizational chart was provided by the respondent from OP.

University , 2008. Retrieved on 11 December 2014 from http://www.lawphil.net/statutes/repacts/ra2008/ra_9500_2008.html

Fact File on the Office of the UP Presidentas of June 2015

OP backstops the President in overseeing the operations of the whole UP System and in ensuring that the goals set by the Charter, the directives from the BOR and strategic initiatives of the University are all being implemented. The vision of the office depends on agenda or initiatives of the current UP President. Its thrust also depends on the priority programs of the President.The UP President has a single six-year term who is elected by the UP Board of Regents (BOR), the highest policy making body of the University. The President is the chief academic officer, chief executive officer, and the head of the university faculty.

Orgranizational Chart of UP Office of the President

Republic Act 9500. An Act to Strengthen the University of the Philippines as the National

Appendix II

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Unit: Office of the Secretary of University and of the of the Board of RegentsDescription:

Head: Secretary Lilian A. de las Llagas

Reference:

Organizational chart was downloaded from OSU website.15 January 2015 from http:// osu.up.edu.ph

Fact File on the Office of the Secretary of University and of the Board of Regentsas of June 2015

The office facilitates governance of the University through its work as the secretariat and administrative arm of the Board of Regents and the President’s Advisory Council. It serves as the primary interface and communication link between the top policy makers and executive officers of the University on one hand and the diverse stakeholders and resource providers of the University and the general public on the other. Being the repository of Board policies and decisions, the office may also be called upon to conduct or to oversee studies and research on policy issues that require Board attention and action.

Orgranizational Chart of Office of the Secretary of University and of the of the Board of Regents

Official website of the Office of the Secretary of the University and of the Board of Regents. Retrieved on

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Unit: UP DilimanDescription:

History:

Number of students: 23,000Number of faculty: 2,000Number of degree programs: 300Current Chancellor: Dr. Michael L. Tan

UP Diliman is the flagship campus of the University of the Philippines. It is the leading Philippine university in science education and research, law, engineering, economics, business administration, education, public administration, communication, and other fields that require professional and licensure examinations. It also has a strong commitment to the arts. It has a total area of 493 hectares.In 1949, UP transferred from Manila to Diliman after the World War II as the Manila campus of the University was devastated by the war. On February 12, 1949, a motorcade made its way from Padre Faura all the way to a cogon-strewn expanse in Quezon City. At its head, borne on an open vehicle, was the Oblation, bronzed symbol of the University of the Philippines, on its way to its future home. This ceremony marked the university's transfer from its original site in Manila to its 493-hectare campus Diliman, which would have more room for the University's expansion as it fulfilled its role as educator to the nation.

Fact File on UP Dilimanas of June 2015

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Orgranizational Chart of UP Diliman

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References:

Organizational charts were provided by the respondent from UPD-OC.

Organizational Chart of UP Diliman - Office of the Chancellor

Official website of the University of the Philippines Diliman. Retrieved on 15 May 2015 from http:// www.upd.edu.ph

University of the Philippines. (2014). University of the Philippines . Unpublished brochure, University of the Philippines System Information Office.

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Unit: UP Los BañosDescription:

History:

Number of students: 13,000Number of faculty: 1,000Number of degree programs: 129Current Chancellor: Dr. Fernando C. Sanchez, Jr

Fact File on UP Los Bañosas of June 2015

UP Los Baños is located in Laguna, nestled at the foot of Mt. Makiling. It is the recognized leader in agriculture, forestry and natural resources, veterinary medicine, biological and environmental sciences, development communication, engineering, mathematics, computer science, and information technology. Its College of Agriculture was one of the first three units organized in UP in 1909, offering the first-of-its-kind university-level instruction in basic and applied agricultural science in Southeast Asia. Its College of Agriculture was one of the “first three units organized in UP in 1909, offering the first-of-its-kind university-level instruction in basic and applied agricultural science in Southeast Asia. The College then became the nucleus of UP Los Baños in 1972 when the campus was elevated to an autonomous campus through P.D. No. 58.

Orgranizational Chart of UP Los Baños

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References:

Organizational charts were provided by the respondent from UPLB-OC.

Organizational Chart of UP Los Baños - Office of the Chancellor

UP System Budget Office. (2013). U.P. Statistics 2013. Retrieved on 5 May 2015, from http://www.up.edu.ph/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/UP_StatBook_2013.pdf

Official website of the University of the Philippines Los Banos. Retrieved on 15 May 2015 from http:// www.uplb.edu.ph

University of the Philippines. (2014). University of the Philippines. Unpublished brochure, University of the Philippines System Information Office.

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Unit: UP Los Baños - Records Management OfficeDescription:

History:

Head: Ms. Apolonia L. Talatala

References:

Organizational chart was grabbed from UPLB-RMO Manual of Operations and Procedures.

UP Los Banos - Records Management Office (UPLB-RMO). (2004). RMO Manual of Operations and Procedures . Unpublished manual. University of the Philippines Los Banos, OVCA.

Fact File on UP Los Baños - Records Management Officeas of June 2015

The UPLB-RMO is the official records center established by the BOR for UPLB campus. The office started under the Administrative Division of the UP College of Agriculture in 1951. It was then created a records section in 1953 under the same college. In 1968, it was reconstituted as the Central Records Division, this time under the Office of the Vice President for Agriculture and Forestry Affairs. The office started to provide mail-messenger, mimeographing, radio communications and other recordkeeping operations. Finally, in 1987, the BOR approved the reorganization of UPLB Administration transferring the RMO under the Office of the Vice President for Administration

Orgranizational Chart of UP Los Baños - Records Management Office

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Unit: UP ManilaDescription:

History:

Number of students: 5,900Number of faculty: 1,200Number of degree programs: 62Current Chancellor: Dr. Carmencita D. Padilla

Fact File on UP Manilaas of June 2015

UP Manila is the health sciences center of the UP System. It is the home to the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the largest government tertiary hospital in the country, the Philippine General Hospital. Its mission/vision is to constantly strive to become an outstanding and relevant institution of the higher learning. Thus it shall provide the highest quality of advanced instruction, professional training, basic and applied research and community service, and thereby produce outstanding scholars, practitioners and leaders in the fields of health, the natural sciences, the social sciences and the humanities.UP Manila at the Ermita-Padre Faura campus is the birthplace of UP in 1908. Because of World War II, UP campus in Manila was severely damaged. The University transferred to Diliman, Quezon City in 1948 leaving behind the College of Medicine, College of Public Health and College of Dentistry which continue to hold classes in makeshift rooms. Through the years, additional college, institutes and units were established in Manila.

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Orgranizational Chart of UP Manila

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References:

Organizational charts were provided by the respondent from UPM-OC.

Organizational Chart of UP Manila - Office of the Chancellor

UP System Budget Office. (2013). U.P. Statistics 2013. Retrieved on 5 May 2015, from http://www.up.edu.ph/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/UP_StatBook_2013.pdf

Official website of the University of the Philippines Manila. Retrieved on 15 May 2015 from http:// www.upm.edu.ph

University of the Philippines. (2014). University of the Philippines. Unpublished brochure, University of the Philippines System Information Office.

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Unit: UP VisayasDescription:

History:

Number of students: 4,900Number of faculty: 350Number of degree programs: 38Current Chancellor: Dr. Rommel A. Espinosa

Fact File on UP Visayasas of June 2015

UP Visayas operates three campuses in Iloilo, Miagao and Tacloban. It is the leading university in marine science education and research, fisheries, and aquaculture.UP Visayas started as UP Iloilo College in 1947. After seven years, it became a full-fledged college and was renamed as UP College Iloilo. In 1979, the BOR approved the establishment of an autonomous University of the Philippines in the Visayas. UP Visayas was operationalized in 1980 through the Executive Order No. 628 issued by President Ferdinand Marcos, with the main campus in Miagao, and with the College of Fisheries as its flagship college.

Orgranizational Chart of UP Visayas

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References:

Organizational charts were provided by the respondent from UPV-OC.

Organizational Chart of UP Visayas - Office of the Chancellor

UP System Budget Office. (2013). U.P. Statistics 2013. Retrieved on 5 May 2015, from http://www.up.edu.ph/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/UP_StatBook_2013.pdf

Official website of the University of the Philippines Visayas. Retrieved on 15 May 2015 from http:// www.upv.edu.ph

University of the Philippines. (2014). University of the Philippines. Unpublished brochure, University of the Philippines System Information Office.

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Unit: UP Open UniversityDescription:

History:

Number of students: 2,500Number of faculty: 200Number of degree programs: 29Current Chancellor: Dr. Grace J. Alfonso

Fact File on UP Open Universityas of June 2015

The UP Open University is a virtual university with base office in Los Baños, Laguna. It has seven learning centers and 21 testing centers all over the country. It also has virtual learning centers for its students based abroad.UP Open University was established on 23 February 1995 as the leader in teaching and learning in the digital age. It provides quality education to students in the country and abroad who are not able to attend conventional colleges and universities due to personal and professional constraints.

Orgranizational Chart of UP Open University

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References:

Organizational charts were downloaded from UPOU website.

Organizational Chart of UP Open University - Office of the Chancellor

UP System Budget Office. (2013). U.P. Statistics 2013. Retrieved on 5 May 2015, from http://www.up.edu.ph/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/UP_StatBook_2013.pdf

Official website of the University of the Philippines Open University. Retrieved on 15 May 2015 from http:// www.upou.edu.ph

University of the Philippines. (2014). University of the Philippines. Unpublished brochure, University of the Philippines System Information Office.

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Unit: UP MindanaoDescription:

History:

Number of students: 1,100Number of faculty: 93Number of degree programs: 11Current Chancellor: Dr. Sylvia B. Concepcion

Fact File on UP Mindanaoas of June 2015

UP Mindanao's vision is to “EXCEL in Leadership, Education, Nationalism, Cultural sensitivity, and Environmental nurturance”. It iscommitted to lead in providing affordable quality education, scholarly research, and responsive and relevant extension services to diverse, marginalized and deserving sectors in Mindanao and neighboring regions through its programs in the sciences and the arts, inculcating a passion for excellence, creative thinking, and nationalism in the context of cultural diversity in a global community.UP Mindanao was established on 20 February 1995 through the enactment of Republic Act 7889 which created UP in Mindanao. In 1998, the BOR granted full autonomy to UP in Mindanao and became the sixth constituent unit of the UP System.

Orgranizational Chart of UP Mindanao

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References:

Organizational charts were provided by the respondent from UPMin-OC.

Organizational Chart of UP Mindanao - Office of the Chancellor

UP System Budget Office. (2013). U.P. Statistics 2013. Retrieved on 5 May 2015, from http://www.up.edu.ph/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/UP_StatBook_2013.pdf

Official website of the University of the Philippines Mindanao. Retrieved on 15 May 2015 from http:// www.upmin.edu.ph

University of the Philippines. (2014). University of the Philippines. Unpublished brochure, University of the Philippines System Information Office.

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Unit: UP BaguioDescription:

History:

Number of students: 3,000Number of faculty: 143Number of degree programs: 14Current Chancellor: Dr. Raymundo D. Rovillos

Fact File on UP Baguioas of June 2015

UP Baguio is also known as the UP in the North. Throughout the years, UP Baguio has “worked at serving as the lead institution in the delivery of tertiary education in Northern Luzon, sustaining its efforts at modernization, the strengthening of curricular programs, and the active generation of knowledge through research”.UP Baguio traces its root in 1921 when a branch of the UP College of Liberal Arts was established in Vigan, Ilocos Sur. This was later transferred to Baguio in 1938 under the name UP College of Arts and Sciences. After the World War II, the college needed to be re-established as the building and facilities were totally destroyed by military operations. The re-construction was completed in 1961. The BOR granted the constituent university status to UP Baguio in 2002.

Orgranizational Chart of UP Baguio

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References:

Organizational charts were provided by the respondent from UPB-OC.

Organizational Chart of UP Baguio - Office of the Chancellor

UP System Budget Office. (2013). U.P. Statistics 2013. Retrieved on 5 May 2015, from http://www.up.edu.ph/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/UP_StatBook_2013.pdf

Official website of the University of the Philippines Baguio. Retrieved on 15 May 2015 from http:// www.upb.edu.ph

University of the Philippines. (2014). University of the Philippines. Unpublished brochure, University of the Philippines System Information Office.

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Unit: UP Cebu CollegeDescription:

History:

Number of students: 1,600Number of faculty: 120Number of degree programs: 13Current Dean: Atty. Liza D. Corro

Fact File on UP Cebu Collegeas of June 2015

Being an autonomous college, UP Cebu envisions to significantly contribute to the development of the Central Visayas region through a constant produce of researches, higher education instruction and technical assistance.UP Cebu was established in 1918 as satellite unit of UP Diliman. It is the oldest among the UP campuses outside of Luzon. It was later on attached to UP Visayas as one of its campuses. In 2010, the BOR elevated its status to an autonomous college.

Orgranizational Chart of UP Cebu

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References:

Organizational charts were provided by the respondent from UP Cebu.

Organizational Chart of UP Cebu

UP System Budget Office. (2013). U.P. Statistics 2013. Retrieved on 5 May 2015, from http://www.up.edu.ph/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/UP_StatBook_2013.pdf

Official website of the University of the Philippines Cebu. Retrieved on 15 May 2015 from http:// www.upcebu.edu.ph

University of the Philippines. (2014). University of the Philippines. Unpublished brochure, University of the Philippines System Information Office.

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Office:

Record Officer in-charge:

Date:

Remarks

1 Relevant organizational structure chart

2 Mission statements for organization and/or department

3 Records management mission statement

4 Records management policy

5Records management procedures / manual used by the records management personnel, including any in-

house training material or details of other training

6 Specifications for automated records management systems for paper records

7 Specifications of records management systems for digital records

8 Retention schedules

9 Access authorizations

10 Accession records

11 Documentation on records destruction or contracted-out services

12 Written specifications for shelving, boxing, and storage facilities

13 Vital records inventory

14 Vital records protection procedures, including recovery in event of disaster

15 Business continuity plan

16 Agreements with any third-party service providers for business continuity services

17 Surrogacy program (digitization or microfilm/fiching ) documentation

18 Staff job descriptions of personnel in-charge of records

Table 1: Checklist of Documentation Required for Records Management Audit

PART I: List of Documentation to be requested from units concerned

NOTE: Please "/" the column after each document if available and "x" if none. You may include a remark for some notation. Please provide the documents together with the accomplished

survey questionnaire. Thank you!

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Part II: Survey Questionnaire (For Records Managers / Personnel)

Instructions: Please answer the survey questionnaire by either providing your answers or by ticking your answer/s from the listed choices. Thank you.

I. Information about the institution and the records personnel

Name of the office/ department:

Date of establishment: Head of the office/ department: Designation: Objectives and functions of the office:

Size of staff/ No. of employees:

Name of Records Officer / Personnel: Designation and years of service: Educational attainment: Names of other personnel in-charge of records with designation and years of service:

II. List of rules, policies, laws and other regulations observed in records management (please give theagency that issued the regulation).

III. Records1. Do your records meet the requirements and needs of your office?

[ ] Yes [ ] NoPlease explain your answer briefly.

2. Please provide percentages of the records formats your office manages.Paper ___% Electronic ___% Microform ___% Others, please provide.

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IV. Records Management Tools: Please check the tools you are using in the office[ ] Records classification scheme [ ] Records disposition authority/schedule [ ] Security and Access Classification Scheme [ ] Thesaurus [ ] Index [ ] Allocation of number and code [ ] Glossary of terms or other vocabulary control [ ] Security and access guides [ ] Records inventory and appraisal [ ] Records disposition schedule (RDS) [ ] General Records Disposition Schedule (GRDS) [ ] Records management manual [ ] Retention code based on GRDS and agency’s RDS [ ] File classification guide/scheme for uniform filing system [ ] Requisition and charge-out procedures in issuing files [ ] Other tools, please provide.

V. Records Management Practices:1. Do you have an established Records and Archives Management Program? [ ] Yes [ ] No

2. Do you have manuals of instructions on how to manage your records? [ ] Yes [ ] NoIf yes, please list and describe briefly.

3. Do you have a documentation of the responsibilities of each records personnel? [ ] Yes [ ] No

[ ] Yes [ ] No [ ] Yes [ ] No [ ] Yes [ ] No [ ] Yes [ ] No

[ ] Yes [ ] No [ ] Yes [ ] No

4. Do you have specific areas/services for the following?Mail OperationsMessengerial ServiceRecords classifiers, indexers and filersStorage areas

5. Do you have:A centralized messengerial service?A centralized releasing and receiving office?A records center? [ ] Yes [ ] No

A. Records Creation / Capture1. What are the types of records created and maintained by the office?[ ] Memoranda [ ] Correspondence files [ ] Financial reports [ ] Minutes of meetings [ ] Speeches [ ] Government publications [ ] Annual reports [ ] Audio-visual materials [ ] Records of research activities done by and for the local government [ ] Photographs [ ] Policy and procedure manuals [ ] Organizational charts or plantilla [ ] Others (please specify)

2. Are there directives issued for controlling the creation of records?[ ] policy on control/issuance number of records[ ] policy on formatting, number of pages, etc.[ ] Others, please describe briefly

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3. Are outgoing letters and memoranda reviewed and revised prior to their release?[ ] Yes [ ] NoIf Yes, how often and by whom?

4. Do you have uniform prescribed titles for the following administrative issuances?Administrative Order [ ] Yes [ ] No Circular [ ] Yes [ ] No Executive Order [ ] Yes [ ] No Memorandum Order [ ] Yes [ ] No

5. Do you have the following machine records processors?Photocopying (Xerox) Machines [ ] Yes [ ] No Microfilms [ ] Yes [ ] No Computers / Scanners [ ] Yes [ ] No

6. Do you process the records being captured by adding notes on index, access conditions,classification guide, disposition schedule, and other related details? [ ] Yes [ ] NoPlease explain your answer briefly.

7. For electronic records, do you capture the metadata associated with it? [ ] Yes [ ] No

B. Record Registration1. How do you register your records?

[ ] Logbook system [ ] Document Tracking System [ ] Computer-aided system [ ] Others (Please provide)

2. What are the elements you capture to register a record?[ ] Unique identifier or control number [ ] Date and time of registration / receipt [ ] Title or short description [ ] Author, sender, or recipient [ ] Others, please provide.

3. Do you classify the records immediately after registration? [ ] Yes [ ] No

C. ClassificationHow do you classify your records?[ ] By types or forms [ ] By subject or topic [ ] By office or institution [ ] By date or chronology [ ] By geographic grouping [ ] By numeric category (number or code) [ ] Others, please provide.

D. Identification of disposition status1. Do you identify the retention / disposition of the record before filing? [ ] Yes [ ] No

2. How you identify the retention / disposition of the record?[ ] By personal assessment / experience [ ] By set of rules / guidelines approved by the agency[ ] By records disposition schedule (RDS) [ ] Others, pleas provide.

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E. Storage1. Do you sort and file your record according to its classification (please refer to letter “C”)?

[ ] Yes [ ] No

2. How do you file your records?[ ] With folder and label [ ] Stapled with label [ ] Others, please provide.

3. Where do you store your records?[ ] Steel filing cabinets [ ] Wooden filing cabinets [ ] Shelves / Racks [ ] Boxes [ ] Electronic storage devices (email, PCs, USB, DVD, repositories) [ ] Others, please provide.

4. What is your time lag in the filing of active records?

5. Do you prohibit the filing of non-record materials? (for example: books, magazines, dailynewspapers) [ ] Yes [ ] NoIf yes, how? [ ] Transfer to (what office)

[ ] Dispose (how) [ ] Others, please specify

6. Do you have a filing manual? [ ] Yes [ ] No

7. Do you have a disaster recovery plan for your records? [ ] Yes [ ] No

8. How is the status of your records storage?[ ] Has adequate space [ ] With limited space Please give short description.

9. Does your office use digital storage? [ ] Yes [ ] No [ ] Considering

10. On digital storage, do you have the following in place?[ ] Hardware and software requirements [ ] Backup systems [ ] Maintenance process

11. How ready is your office for future expansion of active records?

F. Use and Tracking1. What control systems or finding aids does the office devise when locating or retrieving records /

documents?[ ] index cards [ ] inventory [ ] compiled guides [ ] computer [ ] knowledge of the files [ ] others, please specify

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2. What recording system is required by officials in loaning out files?[ ] borrower’s slips [ ] receipt slips [ ] others, please specify

3. What system do you use to track active (referred to other office) records and on loan records?[ ] recall slips [ ] follow up slips[ ] tickler slips [ ] computer-aided file[ ] others, please specify.

4. Who determines whether confidential files may be released?

5. What is the maximum period set for the loan of records?

G. Implementation of Disposition1. Have you inventoried your files for the purpose of determining their retention or disposition? [ ]

Yes [ ] NoIf yes, please describe the results of your inventory.

2. Do you have policies and procedures for the preservation and retention of records?[ ] Yes [ ] No

3. Do you have a schedule being followed to identify what records to retain or dispose, how longthese materials should be retained and how to dispose these records? [ ] Yes [ ] No

4. Which of the following describe your current practices in records retention?(please check all that apply)[ ] retaining information concerning the past and present decisions as part of the institutional

memory and information about decisions and activities in the present and in the future[ ] retaining evidence of the past and present activities to meet accountability obligations[ ] eliminating as early as possible and in an authorized and systematic manner, records which

are no longer required for the operations and activities of the office [ ] retaining the context of the records which will enable future users to judge the authenticity

and reliability, even in cases where records systems in which they are retained have undergone significant changes

[ ] identifying the enforceable or legitimate interest that stakeholders may have in preserving the records for longer than they are required by the office itself

[ ] identifying and assessing legal, financial, political, social, or other positive gains for preserving records to serve the interest of research and the society

5. Have you planned for the systematic disposition of records by:Segregation and disposal of non-record materials(such as books, magazines, etc.)? [ ] Yes [ ] No Segregation and disposal of valueless materials? [ ] Yes [ ] No Transfer of valuable records to a storage area, [ ] Yes [ ] No archives, or depository?

6. Who develops and coordinates these records dispositions plans/schedules?

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7. How often do you dispose valueless records?

8. Do you identify or list the records to be destroyed? [ ] Yes [ ] No

9. Who gives consent to destroy records?

10. Do you have established guidelines on transfer of custody/ownership of records?[ ] Yes [ ] No

11. What safeguards do you have to avoid unauthorized removal or destruction of records?

12. Do you have policies and procedures for the preservation and restoration of records?[ ] Yes [ ] NoIf yes, please describe briefly.

VI. Monitoring and Audit1. Do supervisors/ heads inspect the conditions of files? [ ] Yes [ ] No

If yes, how often?

2. Do you inventory records? [ ] Yes [ ] NoIf yes, how often?

3. Do you audit your records management practices? [ ] Yes [ ] No If yes, how often?

4. Do you have an existing audit tool for your records management needs? [ ] Yes [ ] No

5. Do you have an existing Records Management Improvement Committee? [ ] Yes [ ] No

VII. Records ProblemsPlease rate each entry from 1 to 5; all may have the same rate.(5 – strongly agree, 4 – agree, 3 – neutral, 2 – disagree, 1 – strongly disagree) 1. Common difficulties experienced in storage and retrieval of records

___ records sought have been lost, destroyed, or misarranged___ records retrieval tools such as inventories, indexes, and lists, are inefficient___ old records are not destroyed at the right time___ there are some hindrances to attaining records___ filing system is not efficient

2. Description of your records management practices?___ The institution's administrative system is operating without problems.___ There are no communication and coordination problems between managers and theirsubordinate staff.___ There are no communication and coordination problems among the staff.___ Administrative and legal regulations are adequate to support the smooth running of thework processes within your working unit.

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___ The records management system is effective and efficient for formal communication, legal requirements, and decision making in my university.

3. Causes of records problems:___ Managers sometimes do not pay enough attention to our work.___ Ineffective bureaucracy and slow communication channels.___ Inefficiency of the records management system used for form.al communication.___ Retrieval of required records can be problematic.___ Problematic behavior of other workers

VIII. Records Office and Personnel

1. Do you have a records office/records management office in your institution?[ ] Yes [ ] No

If yes, please describe the following: a. Organizational structure of the records office(please use additional sheet if necessary)

b. Functions of the office

c. Staffing and duties

2. Do you have an appointed records officer? [ ] Yes [ ] No

3. How do you view your role in recordkeeping in relation to the overall daily business activitiesof your office?[ ] Very important [ ] Important [ ] Slightly important [ ] Not important

4. How much time do you spend on records issues in the usual workday?[ ] more than 4 hours [ ] 1 to 4 hours[ ] 31-60 minutes [ ] 30 minutes

5. Would you like to have a records center as a centralized area/depository for your semi-activeand inactive records? [ ] Yes [ ] No

6. Do you have plans of establishing a records center as a centralized area/depository for yoursemi-active and inactive records? [ ] Yes [ ] No

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7. Do you plan / consider having a standard records management program for UP?[ ] Yes [ ] NoPlease explain your answer briefly.

8. Do you have a schedule of training your records/archives officer / staff ?[ ] Yes [ ] No

9. What trainings have your records personnel had? Please provide the dates of trainings.

10. What training (if any) do you feel your records personnel need? Please explain your answerbriefly.

11. Does the institution give support to the records management program?[ ] Yes [ ] NoPlease explain your answer.

12. Are you aware of the punishment under the law for records management related offenses?[ ] Yes [ ] No

IX. Archival Practices1. Do you have an archives office/unit? [ ] Yes [ ] No

2. Do you have a mini archives/storage for your non-current records?[ ] Yes [ ] No

3. Do you have a written policy and guideline/manual on how to handle archival materials?[ ] Yes [ ] No If yes, please provide and describe briefly.

4. Do you have a preservation program of archival records?[ ] Yes [ ] No

5. Who are authorized to access your archival records?[ ] Officials and other employees (including students) [ ] Open to public [ ] Others, please specify

---Toward a OneUP Records Management Program. Thank you for your participation.---

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Survey Questionnaire on RecordsManagement Practices of UPToward a OneUP Records Management Program. Thank you for your participation.

* Required

Unit *

OP

OSU

UP Diliman

UP Manila

UP Los Baños

UP Visayas

UP Open University

UP Mindanao

UP Baguio

UP Cebu

Are you satisfied on how your office manages your records? *

Yes

No

What are the common problems you encounter in managing your records? *You may choose more than 1 answer.

Missing records

Misrouted records

Difficulty in retrieving/accessing records

Skills of the staff

Other:

Would you like to consider standardizing the records management in your campus? *

Yes

No

How much budget are you willing to commit to improve the records management of your office /campus? *

no limit, will support all efforts to standardize the records management

maximum of P500,000/year

P100,000 to P200,000/year

up to P50,000/year

Not ready to commit financial support

Appendix III-C

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https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1RQ_­c78­I0EIfCkkj9kXZZa9jVScHOpUK6ClPPJWdrY/viewform 1/2

Powered by

Survey questionnaire on the recordsmanagement in UPFor frequent UP records clients

How would you rate the performance of records offices/units in UP?

Outstanding

Very good

Satisfactory

Not satisfactory

Poor

What are the common problems you encounter in dealing with the records units in UP? Youmay choose more than 1.Please share your experience if not listed in the choices below.

Hostile records managers/staff

Absence of a standard practice

Poor records retrieval skills - delay in providing requested records

Other:

Optional: Any suggestion in addressing the records management problems in UP?

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Appendix III-D

Page 246: Assessment of Records Management in the University of the Philippines

OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENTUniversity of the Philippines

17 April 2015

PresidentAlfredo E.PascualUniversity of the Philippines

SUBJECT:Permission to conduct survey and interview in connection with the study entitled "ASample Assessment of Records Management Practices in the University of the PhilippinesToward a Development of a Self-Audit Tool"

.... DearPresident Pascual/Sir,

I am conducting a researchstudy on record management practicesof UP. This is in partial fulfillment ofthe requirements for the degree of Master of Libraryand Information Science(MUS). In thisconnection, may I secureyour authorization / permissionto conduct surveyand interview in OP,OSU,OCsand Dean'sOffice of UPCebuin connection with the above-captioned study?

I needyoufauthorization to accessthe files on the policies/guidelines in managingrecordsof said units.Likewise, I need the help of the recordsofficers/staff in answeringthe attached questionnaire.Interview will also be conducted to supplement the gathered data from the questionnaire.

Additionally, a short questionnaire will be sent out to you and other headsof the respective units.

I hope to get the support of the administration to makethis study a success.There is really the need toreflect on our recordsmanagement practicesto intensify our call for operational excellence.

Thank you very much.

Respectfullyyours,

Ex utive AssistantOffice of the President

Appendix IV

Page 247: Assessment of Records Management in the University of the Philippines

University of the PhilippinesSchool of Library and Information Studies

17 April 2015

President Alfredo E. PascualUniversity of the Philippines

Dear President Pascual:

Greetings!

I am a student of the School of Library and Information Studies, UPDiliman, taking up Master ofLibrary and Information Science (MLIS).

I am currently conducting a survey for my research paper entitled itA Sample Assessment ofRecords Management Practices in the University of the Philippines Toward a Development of a Self­Audit Tool." The study aims to assess the current status of the records management in UPanddetermine the compliance level of these practices with the ISO15489 and RA9470 through a self­audit tool. Recommendations will be proposed for a standard records management in theuniversity. A self-audit tool for UPwill also be proposed at the end of the study.

In this regard, may I be allowed to conduct a survey (through the attached questionnaire) andinterviews in the Office of the President, Officeof the Secretary of the University and the Offices ofthe Chancellors / Office of the Dean, particularly the records office/section of the respective offices.

Lastly, may I also solicit your help in answering a short survey which Iwill send via email?

Your assistance will contribute to the success of this paper. Rest assured that all data gathered shallbe used for research purposes only.

Thank you.

Respectfully yours,

Re elle O.Cornia-Duenas03 05425

Noted by:

Prof. Benedict S.OlgadoUPSchool of Library and Information Studies

232

Page 248: Assessment of Records Management in the University of the Philippines

University of the Phili ppinesSchool of Library and Information Studies

17 April 2015

Dr. LilianA. De Las LJagasSecretary of the University and the Board of RegentsUniversity of the Philippines

Dear Secretary De Las LJagas:

Greetings!

I am a student of the School of Library and Information Studies, UPDiliman, taking up Master ofLibrary and Information Science (MUS).

I am currently conducting a survey for my research paper entitled "ASample Assessment ofRecords Management Practices in the University of the Philippines Toward a Development of a Self­Audit Tool." The study aims to assess the current status of the records management in UPanddetermine the compliance level of these practices with the ISO15489 and RA9470 through a self­audit tool. Recommendations will be proposed for a standard records management in theuniversity. A self-audit tool for UPwill also be proposed at the end of the study.

In this regard, may I be allowed to conduct a survey (through the attached questionnaire) andinterviews in the Office of the Secretary of the University and of the Board of Regents, particularlythe records office/section. It will be appreciated if you could endorse my letter to your recordsofficer/so

Lastly, may I also solicit your help in answering a short survey which Iwill send via email?

Your assistance will contribute to the success of this paper. Rest assured that all data gathered shallbe used for research purposes only.

Thank you.

Respectfully yours,

Rec elle O.Cornia-Duenas03- 5425

Noted by:

Prof. Benedict S.OlgadoUPSchool of Library and Information Studies

233

Page 249: Assessment of Records Management in the University of the Philippines

University of the PhilippinesSchool of Library and Information Studies

17 April 2015

Dr. Michael L.TanChancellor, UPDiliman

Dear Chancellor Tan:

Greetings!

I am a student of the School of Library and Information Science, UPDiliman, taking up Master ofLibrary and Information Science (MLIS).

I am currently conducting a survey for my research paper entitled "ASample Assessment ofRecords Management Practices in the University of the Philippines Toward a Development of a Self­Audit Tool." The study aims to assess the current status of the records management in UPanddetermine the compliance level of these practices with the ISO15489 and RA9470 through a self­audit tool. Recommendations will be proposed for a standard records management in theuniversity. A self-audit tool for UPwill also be proposed at the end of the study.

Your campus, being one of the constituents universities of UP,is one of the subject units of myresearch. In this regard, may I be allowed to conduct a survey (through the attached questionnaire)and interviews in your office, particularly the records office/section. It will be appreciated if youcould endorse my letter to your records officerIs.

Lastly, may I also solicit your help in answering a short survey which Iwill send via email?

Your assistance will contribute to the success of this paper. Rest assured that all data gathered shallbe used for research purposes only.

Thank you.

Respectfully yours,

Rec elle O.Cornia-Duenas03- 5425

Noted by:

Prof. Benedict S.OlgadoUPSchool of Library and Information Studies

234

Page 250: Assessment of Records Management in the University of the Philippines

University of the PhilippinesSchool of Library and Information Studies

17 April 2015

Dr. Fernando C. Sanchez Jr.Chancellor, UP Los Banos

Dear Chancellor Sanchez:

Greetings!

I am a student of the School of Library and Information Science, UPDiliman, taking up Master ofLibrary and Information Science (MLIS).

I am currently conducting a survey for my research paper entitled "ASample Assessment ofRecords Management Practices in the University of the Philippines Toward a Development of a Self­Audit Tool." The study aims to assess the current status of the records management in UPanddetermine the compliance level of these practices with the ISO15489 and RA9470 through a self­audit tool. Recommendations will be proposed for a standard records management in theuniversity. Aself-audit tool for UPwill also be proposed at the end of the study.

Your campus, being one of the constituents universities of UP,is one of the subject units of myresearch. In this regard, may I be allowed to conduct a survey (through the attached questionnaire)and interviews in your office, particularly the records office/section. It will be appreciated if youcould endorse my letter to your records officerIs.

Lastly, may I also solicit your help in answering a short survey which Iwill send via email?

Your assistance will contribute to the success of this paper. Rest assured that all data gathered shallbe used for research purposes only.

Thank you.

Respectfully yours,

Rec elle O.Cornia-Duenas03- 5425UPDiliman

Noted by:

Prof. Benedict S.OlgadoUPSchool of Library and Information Studies

235

Page 251: Assessment of Records Management in the University of the Philippines

University of the PhilippinesSchool of Library and Information Studies

17 April 2015

Dr. Carmencita D.PadillaChancellor, UPManila

Dear Chancellor Padilla:

Greetings!

I am a student of the School of Library and Information Science, UPDiliman, taking up Master ofLibrary and Information Science (MLIS).

I am currently conducting a survey for my research paper entitled "ASample Assessment ofRecords Management Practices in the University of the Philippines Toward a Development of a Self­Audit Tool." The study aims to assess the current status of the records management in UPanddetermine the compliance level of these practices with the ISO15489 and RA9470 through a self­audit tool. Recommendations will be proposed for a standard records management in theuniversity. A self-audit tool for UPwill also be proposed at the end of the study.

Your campus, being one of the constituents universities of UP, is one of the subject units of myresearch. In this regard, may I be allowed to conduct a survey (through the attached questionnaire)and interviews in your office, particularly the records office/section. It will be appreciated if youcould endorse my letter to your records officerIs.

Lastly, may I also solicit your help in answering a short survey which Iwill send via email?

Your assistance will contribute to the success of this paper. Rest assured that all data gathered shallbe used for research purposes only.

Thank you.

Respectfully yours,

Rech~~as03-0~~;~'UPDiliman

Noted by:

Prof. Benedict S.OlgadoUPSchool of Library and Information Studies

236

Page 252: Assessment of Records Management in the University of the Philippines

University of the PhilippinesSchool of Library and Information Studies

17 April 2015

Dr. Rommel A. EspinosaChancellor, UPVisayas

Dear Chancellor Espinosa:

Greetings!

I am a student of the School of Library and Information Science, UPDiliman, taking up Master ofLibrary and Information Science (MLIS).

I am currently conducting a survey for my research paper entitled "ASample Assessment ofRecords Management Practices in the University of the Philippines Toward a Development of a Self­Audit Tool." The study aims to assess the current status of the records management in UPanddetermine the compliance level of these practices with the ISO15489 and RA9470 through a self­audit tool. Recommendations will be proposed for a standard records management in theuniversity. Aself-audit tool for UPwill also be proposed at the end of the study.

Your campus, being one of the constituents universities of UP,is one of the subject units of myresearch. In this regard, may I be allowed to conduct a survey (through the attached questionnaire)and interviews in your office, particularly the records office/section. It will be appreciated if youcould endorse my letter to your records officerIs.

Lastly, may I also solicit your help in answering a short survey which I will send via email?

Your assistance will contribute to the success of this paper. Rest assured that all data gathered shallbe used for research purposes only.

Thank you.

Respectfully yours,

Rec lIe O.Cornia-Duenas03- 425UPDiliman

Noted by:

Prof. Benedict S.OlgadoUPSchool of Library and Information Studies

237

Page 253: Assessment of Records Management in the University of the Philippines

University of the PhilippinesSchool of Library and Information Studies

17 April 2015

Dr. Grace J. AlfonsoChancellor, UPOpen University

Dear Chancellor Alfonso:

Greetings!

I am a student of the School of Library and Information Science, UPDiliman, taking up Master ofLibrary and Information Science (MLIS).

I am currently conducting a survey for my research paper entitled "ASample Assessment ofRecords Management Practices in the University of the Philippines Toward a Development of a Self­Audit Tool." The study aims to assess the current status of the records management in UPanddetermine the compliance level of these practices with the ISO15489 and RA9470 through a self­audit tool. Recommendations will be proposed for a standard records management in theuniversity. A self-audit tool for UPwill also be proposed at the end of the study.

Your campus, being one of the constituents universities of UP,is one of the subject units of myresearch. In this regard, may I be allowed to conduct a survey (through the attached questionnaire)and interviews in your office, particularly the records office/section. It will be appreciated if youcould endorse my letter to your records officerIs.

Lastly, may I also solicit your help in answering a short survey which Iwill send via email?

Your assistance will contribute to the success of this paper. Rest assured that all data gathered shallbe used for research purposes only.

Thank you.

Respectfully yours, ~

ReCElle O~fias03- 5425UP iliman

Noted by:

Prof. Benedict S.OlgadoUPSchool of Library and Information Studies

238

Page 254: Assessment of Records Management in the University of the Philippines

University of the PhilippinesSchool of Library and Information Studies

17 April 2015

Dr. Sylvia B.ConcepcionChancellor, UPMindanao

Dear Chancellor Concepcion:

Greetings!

I am a student of the School of Library and Information Science, UPDiliman, taking up Master ofLibrary and Information Science (MLIS).

I am currently conducting a survey for my research paper entitled "ASample Assessment ofRecords Management Practices in the University of the Philippines Toward a Development of a Self­Audit Tool." The study aims to assess the current status of the records management in UPanddetermine the compliance level of these practices with the ISO15489 and RA9470 through a self­audit tool. Recommendations will be proposed for a standard records management in theuniversity. A self-audit tool for UPwill also be proposed at the end of the study.

Your campus, being one of the constituents universities of UP,is one of the subject units of myresearch. In this regard, may I be allowed to conduct a survey (through the attached questionnaire)and interviews in your office, particularly the records office/section. It will be appreciated if youcould endorse my letter to your records officerIs.

Lastly, may I also solicit your help in answering a short survey which Iwill send via email?

Your assistance will contribute to the success of this paper. Rest assured that all data gathered shallbe used for research purposes only.

Thank you.

Respectfully yours,

Rec elle O.Cornia-Duenas03- 5425UPDiliman

Noted by:

Prof. Benedict S.OlgadoUPSchool of Library and Information Studies

239

Page 255: Assessment of Records Management in the University of the Philippines

University of the Phili ppinesSchool of Library and Information Studies

17 April 2015

Dr. Raymundo D.RovillosChancellor, UP Baguio

Dear Chancellor Rovillos:

Greetings!

I am a student of the School of Library and Information Science, UPDillman, taking up Master ofLibrary and Information Science (MLIS).

I am currently conducting a survey for my research paper entitled "ASample Assessment ofRecords Management Practices in the University of the Philippines Toward a Development of a Self­Audit Tool." The study aims to assess the current status of the records management in UPanddetermine the compliance level of these practices with the ISO15489 and RA9470 through a self­audit tool. Recommendations will be proposed for a standard records management in theuniversity. A self-audit tool for UPwill also be proposed at the end of the study.

Your campus, being one of the constituents universities of UP, is one of the subject units of myresearch. In this regard, may I be allowed to conduct a survey (through the attached questionnaire)and interviews in your office, particularly the records office/section. It will be appreciated if youcould endorse my letter to your records officerIs.

Lastly, may I also solicit your help in answering a short survey which Iwill send via email?

Your assistance will contribute to the success of this paper. Rest assured that all data gathered shallbe used for research purposes only.

Thank you.

Respectfully yours,

ReC~iias03-~~~~'UPDiliman

Noted by:

Prof. Benedict S.OlgadoUPSchool of Library and Information Studies

240

Page 256: Assessment of Records Management in the University of the Philippines

University of the PhilippinesSchool of Library and Information Studies

17 April 2015

Atty. Liza D.CorroDean, UPCebu

Dear Dean Corro:

Greetings!

I am a student of the School of Library and Information Science, UPDiliman, taking up Master ofLibrary and Information Science (MLIS).

I am currently conducting a survey for my research paper entitled "ASample Assessment ofRecords Management Practices in the University of the Philippines Toward a Development of a Self­Audit Tool." The study aims to assess the current status of the records management in UPanddetermine the compliance level of these practices with the ISO15489 and RA9470 through a self­audit tool. Recommendations will be proposed for a standard records management in theuniversity. A self-audit tool for UPwill also be proposed at the end of the study.

Your college, being an autonomous college of UP, is one of the subject units of my research. In thisregard, may I be allowed to conduct a survey (through the attached questionnaire) and interviewsin your office, particularly the records office/section. It will be appreciated if you could endorse myletter to your records officerIs.

Lastly, may I also solicit your help in answering a short survey which Iwill send via email?

Your assistance will contribute to the success of this paper. Rest assured that all data gathered shallbe used for research purposes only.

Thank you.

Respectfully yours,

Rec elle O.Cornia-Duenas03- 5425UPDiliman

Noted by:

Prof. Benedict S.OlgadoUPSchool of Library and Information Studies

241