The Records Management Practices of the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC): A Basis for a Proposed Establishment of Archives and Records Management Program (ARMP)

Abstract

The integration of archives and records in the workplace is an increasing current trend and the thrust of this study. To achieve this direction, it aimed to assess the present records management practices in the Professional Regulation Commission, its attendant problems and issues, and the measures offered to solve the problems and challenges as basis for the establishment of Archives and Records Management Program (ARMP), as required by law.

A range of evaluation techniques to ensure triangulation of the findings and well-supported conclusions and recommendations were applied like survey questionnaires conducted in the PRC central and regional offices; on-site interviews with authorities on archival and records management; and the qualitative research conducted by closely going over the reports and recommendations of the Internal Audit Division, and the various issuances. The findings of the study led to a clear conclusion that the existing records management practices in PRC are inefficient. For that reason, there is a felt need to improve its present recordkeeping founded on the Records Life Cycle and Continuum Models, the key principles that govern the integration of records and archives. The study affirmed that PRC has no policy framework for archives and current records as its existing documented policy ismore attuned to paper-based records in the form of records management manual. This means that there is indeed a felt need to shift from paper-based to both paper-based and electronic recordkeeping leading to the establishment of archives and records management programs.