The Information and Communication Technology Capabilities of Local Government Units of the Second District of Ilocos Sur

Abstract

This research work ascertained the capability or readiness of some local government units of the second district of Ilocos Sur along Computer and Information Technology in terms of computer equipments and facilities and manpower resources during the year 2007. This study made use ofthe descriptive comparative methods of research with the questionnaire as a means of gathering data from 66 department heads and 146 personnel as respondents from the JO sample local government units broken down into five lowland municipalities, four interior or upland municipalities, and one city. There were more female than male personnel and department heads; most ofthem were college graduate. Majority ofthe department heads were 36 years old and above while most of the personnel belonged to the 26-35 years old bracket. The sample municipalities had computer units, most of which are Pentium I to JV, and had a computer printer, most of which are dot matrix although there were some desk jet or inkjet. Some offices in the municipalities were not provided with printers. One lowland municipality and a city had other computer peripherals like scanner, digital camera, modem and CD writer. The personnel and department heads in both lowland and interior municipalities considered themselves "Good" on knowledge of computer, while the personnel and department heads in the city had "Very Good" level on knowledge ofcomputer. The personnel and department heads in the lowland and department heads in interior municipalities were "Good" while the personnel in interior municipalities were "Poor" in using Microsoft Word application software. On the other hand, the personnel and department heads in the city were "Very Good" in using the same application software. The personnel and department heads of both lowland and interior municipalities and the department heads of the city government had "Good" level, while the personnel in the city were "Very Good" in using the MS Excel application software. The personnel and department heads in both lowland and interior municipalities were "Poor" while the personnel and department heads in the city were "Good" in using internet. The level of knowledge of computer and level of internet usage of both personnel and department heads in the lowland and interior municipalities differ significantly from those in the city. City group had the highest mean rating and interior group had the lowest mean rating. With regards to the level of using the Microsoft Word and Microsoft Excel, the three pairs ofpersonnel: Interior and Lowland; Interior and City; and Lowland and City differ significantly, with city personnel having the highest mean and personnel from the interior municipalities having the lowest mean. In the case of the department heads, the level ofusing the Microsoft Word of those from the interior and lowland municipalities differ significantly from those in the City. Based on the findings and conclusions, the following are recommended: 1) Everytime the Local Government Units prepare their budget, the budget officer should allocate amount for purchase of computer units or the employees may look for generous donors in case the budget of the local government is not suffered; 2) The personnel and department heads should practice using the application software and try exploring while using the software; 3) The personnel especially in the lowland and interior municipalities need to undergo training along Microsoft Excel and use of Internet, and the department heads should find time to attend training on advanced I.T. like Microsoft PowerPoint; and 4) The Local Government Units should include in their Municipalm Development Plans how they can improve and advance along Information and Communication Technology, particularly their connection to the World Wide Web.