By Crisdeniele Clemente

Intensifying efforts toward digital transformation, the Mariano Marcos State University launched four e-systems on August 1, bringing to 76 the number of electronic systems now in operation. In line with the school’s Smart Campus goal, the online systems are expected to improve reliability and efficiency in the delivery of services. 

The university’s Information Technology Center, headed by Director Wilben Christie Pagtaconan, presented and demonstrated to the MMSU community the operation of the four e-systems: MVLE mobile application, ticketing and payroll systems, and human resource analytics.   

First, the MMSU Virtual Learning Environment (MVLE) mobile apps now grants offline access to some essential features, such as taking exams. Pagtaconan ensured the upgrade now enables faculty members and students to conveniently perform virtual academic tasks, even amid power outages and intermitted internet connection. (The app is now available in Apple Store and Google Play Store).

Second, clients can now directly inquire or report incidents through the MMSU online ticketing system. It manages and monitors client requests, inquiries, support incidents, and satisfaction surveys, with an automatic notification for customer support. 

Third, the payroll system functions for smart payroll operations. Aside from eliminating the manual salary computation, the system also automates the consolidation of undertime and leave credits. 

Lastly, the HR analytics is a digitalized system which manages the profile of MMSU employees. It provides real-time data on the university’s current manpower profile.

 
The in-house development of these online systems was spearheaded by the ITC’s Software Development team.

These e-systems are in addition to the existing 72 e-systems of MMSU, all of which are part of the digitalization efforts of the university. It can be recalled that MMSU's IR 4.0 journey was jumpstarted during the term of MMSU Board of Regents chair, former CHED commissioner Lilian A. De Las Llagas. This continued to be strengthened under the leadership of CHED chair J. Prospero E. De Vera III, who now chairs the MMSU BOR. 

MMSU President Shirley C. Agrupis expressed her joy and excitement over the new developments in the digitalization of systems and processes in the university. “This technological evolution in the university is indeed a step closer to realizing the MMSU Industry 4.0 framework.”

The university president also expressed gratitude to Dr. De Vera, for the CHED's support to the university's commitment in delivering quality education through systems digitalization.

The new MMSU e-systems were funded by CHED through its Institutional Development and Innovation Grants.

These e-systems align with MMSU’s fourth industrial revolution agenda. In the 2022 World Universities with Real Impact (WURI) rankings, MMSU ranked fourth in the world and second in the Philippines for Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR). Also last year, MMSU stood above the national average rating for Philippine higher education institutions in the World Bank Digital Readiness Report, having obtained a rating of 32.5 out of a perfect 35. (HLY/JVBT, StratCom)