Behind the Truth Social Science Research Journal

Volume 1, Issue 1, 2021, pp: 1-8 ISSN:

BARANGAY INFORMATION SYSTEM OF BARANGAY SUCAT,

MUNTINLUPA CITY: AN ASSESSMENT TOWARDS A PROPOSED
SYSTEM IMPROVEMENT
BEATRIZ N. FOYO BABY KYLE C. LABOG
Social Studies Department, College of Social Studies Department, College of Teacher
Teacher Education, Pamantasan ng Lungsod Education, Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng
ng Muntinlupa, Philippines Muntinlupa, Philippines
foyobeatriz_bse@plmun.edu.ph labogbabykyle_bse@plmun.edu.ph

ESTHAN JOBE B. FELICIANO

Social Studies Department, College of
Teacher Education, Pamantasan ng Lungsod
ng Muntinlupa, Philippines
felicianoesthanjobe_bse@plmun.edu.ph

ABSTRACT: Barangay is responsible for keeping residents' records and the first-hand source of national
government information to develop programs, projects, and community services and maintain order and
stability. Information systems have been essential for organizations to operate efficiently in today's
technologically advanced environment. This study aims to 1) identify the demographic profile of the
residents, 2) assess the functionality of the barangay information system, 3) assess the user satisfaction
with the barangay information system, 4) determine the issues encountered by the residents in using the
BIS, and 5) propose process improvements in BIS. Mixed-method was used to assess the barangay
information system, purposive sampling to obtain the sample, structured interview, and close-ended survey
to gather data. One hundred (100) residents of Barangay Sucat were the respondents of the study. In
general, the BIS functionality and user satisfaction rating are positive. However, some issues were
encountered as the residents expressed their concerns about its quality. Thus, it is recommended to
maximize the use of Information and Computer Technology (ICT) and adopt more efficient dissemination
strategies. This paper’s proposed improvement is a web-based information system framework incorporating
open-data features and Short Message Service (SMS) technology for the fast delivery of information.

Keywords: information system, user satisfaction, functionality, information services, Barangay Sucat

Acknowledgements
The research and this paper would not be possible without the exceptional guidance and support of our research
adviser, Dr. Zoren Gubalane. His passion, expertise, and thorough attention to detail have inspired us and kept
our work on track, from the formulation of survey questions to the final draft of this paper. Dr. Marites Tagulao, our
research professor at the College of Teacher Education, has also looked over the first draft of our research title and
objectives. Dr. Edsel Umali, Dr. Fermae Tamayao, Professor Glorynor Navarro, Ms. Jenelyn Bait, Mr. Cyrus
Esguerra, and Mrs. Audepaz Benitez, our notable professors at the College of Teacher Education - Pamantasan
ng Lungsod ng Muntinlupa, have provided insightful comments in the outline of the study. The unwavering support
of Barangay Sucat officials in providing necessary data and assistance. The dedication of Project PEN staff with
the manuscript preparation and finalization. The generosity and expertise of everyone have improved this study in
numerous ways. Above all, the guidance and blessings of our Almighty God. For that, we are beyond grateful.

1
Behind the Truth Social Science Research Journal
Volume 1, Issue 1, 2021, pp: 1-8

Introduction contributed to the

IS (Information System) is the collection of
technical and human resources dedicated to
providing storage, computing, distribution and
communication of information necessary for all or
part of an organization (Rouse, 2015). As the basic
political unit, Barangay Sucat serves as the
primary planning and implementing unit of
government policies, plans, programs, projects,
and activities in the community. It is a highly
urbanized residential/industrial area with several
high-rise residential properties and commercial
establishments.
According to Campbell (2017), there are a
variety of specific difficulties in engaging with
urban communities, initially because urban
populations are highly mobile and diverse. In
addition, several urban response surveys have
revealed that poor communication is a serious
issue, specifically because information competes
with several sources in urban areas and rumors
abound. To deal with environmental uncertainty
and enhance decision making, organizations need
quality information. Thus, this paper utilized the
Organizational Information Processing Theory
(OIPT), first defined by Galbraith (1974, as cited in
Mayer & Krauter, 2019), which describes how the
organization's structure should respond to
uncertainty in order to achieve optimum efficiency.
Moreover, the study on the resident's
satisfaction that involves a comparison of prior
expectations with observed performance paved
the way to the utilization of Expectation Theory of
Oliver (1977, as cited in Huang, 2015), wherein the
user's perception of overall satisfaction results
from a comparison between expectation and
outcome performance of barangay information
system. During the pandemic, there’s even a
stronger demand for barangays to disseminate
credible information, as they play a vital role in the
campaign versus the COVID 19 (Labella, 2020).
The development of technology has significantly
GUIDELINES FOR continuing advancement of all
INTRODUCTION:
classes of industry. Nevertheless, some sectors
today seem
Introduce
to be your researchintitle/study
left behind adopting the use of
 Discuss your study
various techniques to facilitate progress on their
 Review of Related articles/studies to
part (Martinez et al., 2019). Despite the concerted
your research
efforts in providing information services, the
 Discuss your independent variable
residentsand cite
stillrelatedexperience misinformation
literature or studies
(Tagliabue et. al.,
 Discuss your 2020). Barangay
dependent Sucat
variable and is one of
the mostcitedeveloped and progressive
related literature or studies barangay in
 State your research aim and an information
Muntinlupa City. It has adopted
system that collects, stores, analyzes, and uses
objectives
data for planning, development of government
programs, emergency disaster preparedness; to
monitor crime and enhance the safety and security
of the residents.
However, the persistent concern on
information dissemination to the residents is
undeniable and limits citizen participation.
Improving the information system of the barangay
is part of the commitment to enhance the quality of
service directed towards the development of the
community. Thus, this paper aims to assess the
functionality and user satisfaction of Barangay
Sucat’s Information System. Specifically, the
objectives of the study are (1) to identify the
demographic profile of the respondents in terms of
age, gender, and level of awareness; (2) to assess
the functionality of Barangay Sucat’s Information
System through the Barangay Chairman or its
representative; (3) to assess the satisfaction of the
residents with the barangay information system in
carrying out information; (4) to determine the
issues encountered by the residents on the
barangay information system; and (5) to propose
process improvements on Barangay Information
System.
Methodology
This paper aims to assess the Barangay
Information System of Barangay Sucat as a tool in
the processing and dissemination of information
with its constituents. Mixed-method was employed
to evaluate the functionality and user satisfaction

2
Behind the Truth Social Science Research Journal
Volume 1, Issue 1, 2021, pp: 1-8

of the barangay information system. An interview Figure 1 revealed that the majority of the
GUIDELINES FOR METHODOLOGY:
with the barangay secretary was conducted to respondents are 18-28 years old. This age bracket
assess the functionality of the Barangay  State
is also the research
known approachadults that need
as emerging
Information System. The functionality includes the  Statesupport
substantial the methods of data collection
to navigate the transition (to
data input, process, information output and and analysis
stable adulthood) successfully (Wood et al., 2018).
feedback loop. Aside from the interview, a survey Such support
Discussincludes
the methods used; must
information be
provided by the
supported with related literature
questionnaire was developed to measure the family and the community.
 State the sample design and sample
resident's satisfaction with the Barangay
size
Information System by utilizing the dimensions of 1.2. Gender
 Statistical Treatment used
user satisfaction (Kalankesh et. al., 2019). The
2%
instrument also gathers data on the issues Male
encountered by the residents in using BIS. 40%
Female
58%
Specifically, the questionnaire was divided into LGBTQIA+
six parts which are (1) demographic profile (age,
gender, level of awareness), (2) system quality, (3)
information quality, (4) service quality, (5)
perceived usefulness, and (6) comments and Figure 2. Respondents’ profile in terms of gender
suggestions to the dimensions of user satisfaction
with information system. The researchers used Figure 2 reveals that the majority of the
purposive sampling in selecting the respondents respondents are female. Accordingly, the study of
for the survey. The questionnaires were distributed Gran (2019) revealed that the role of women in
through Google forms to one hundred (100) urban labor has risen exponentially in recent
residents of Barangay Sucat. decades. Their formal and informal work can
transform the community from a relatively
autonomous society into a participant in the
Results and Discussion national economy.
GUIDELINES FOR RESULTS AND DISCUSSION:
The research findings revealed the social reality  Restate your research
1.3. Level of Awareness
that provides answers and explanations to the questions/objectives/statement of
study objectives. The data below presents the problem
11% 13%
information relative to the assessment of  Present the results/findings Strongly
Barangay Information System’s functionality and chronologically based on studyAware
user satisfaction. objectives/Statement of the Moderately
Problem
76% Aware
1. Demographic Profile  Discuss the results/findings Not Aware
1.1. Age  Cite related articles/studies to the
results/findings
2% 5%1%
18-28  May include graphs, figures, tables,
Respondents’
Figure 3.diagrams, etc. profile in terms of level of
29-39 awareness
 Ensure that barangay
to the information system
all graphs/figures/tables
40-50
92% are properly labelled
51-59 Figure 3 reveals that the majority of the residents
are moderately aware of the barangay information
system. This clearly shows an acceptable
Figure 1. Respondents’ profile in terms of age

3
Behind the Truth Social Science Research Journal
Volume 1, Issue 1, 2021, pp: 1-8
awareness level, likewise in the study of Wehn &
Almomani (2019) indicates that the citizens'
involvement in the Shared Environmental
Information System paved the way for greater
awareness and enhanced community
stewardship. Furthermore, community
participation is an essential factor to the increased
awareness of the information system.
2. Functionality Assessment of Barangay
Information System
As to the functionality of the Barangay Information
System, the following were the presented
responses of the Barangay Secretary to the
questions asked in the interview. In the question of
applying the context of the information system in
Barangay Sucat, Mr. Lopena (Barangay
Secretary) said that it is a public trust. As a public
official, he recognized the important role of the
barangay as the primary planning and
implementing unit of government policies, plans,
programs, projects, and activities in
the community. The residents' records are vital for
every community. When gathering data, the
barangay secretary stated that part of the protocol
is to explain to the residents the importance and
purpose of the data to be obtained.
The collected data will then be encoded in
the database by the barangay secretary. From
there, the barangay determines the population in
terms of gender, age, jobs, and much more.
Records were used for easy identification, but it
also serves as their basis for planning and
implementing projects and programs. The
barangay secretary manages the updating and
retrieval of data from the database. In encoding
information, he stated that "sometimes it takes
time because we lack manpower; also, the
information is changing thereupon there's a need
for updates." When the barangay secretary
described the dissemination of information, he
mentioned that the barangay officials play
significant roles in distributing information to their
target beneficiaries. A Full Disclosure Board
exhibits the budget policies, project financial
statements, and partner agencies that assist the
services rendered. He also noted how the social
media platform helped the residents to identify the
community programs, policies, and
announcements. During the pandemic, the
barangay was advised to rely only on credible
sources such as WHO, DOH, IATF, and the City
Government accredited FB page in distributing
information to the public. He further added, "Every
day, the social media provides updates on
important events in the barangay. For those who
don't have access, the community volunteer
leaders and organization officers are assisting.
The social media platform of the barangay that
is used to disseminate information also provides
opportunities for residents to ask, comment and
give suggestions that form part of their enhanced
services to the public. The comments and
suggestions were used to improve the service of
the barangay. He mentioned that as of now, their
Facebook page has almost 12,000 followers.
Assuming that either one or two residents follow
the page, the updates & announcement will be
much easier to reach others in the area. However,
he also recognized that social media are prone to
hacking. For instance, the FB page of a barangay
councillor was hacked, the said account was active
in sharing and reporting updates in the
community. Similarly, the results of the study
(Cimene, 2019) showed the vital role of ICT in the
effective distribution of services that would
contribute to people's common good. Moreover,
the principles of good governance encourage the
use of ICT in serving the people.
4
Behind the Truth Social Science Research Journal
Volume 1, Issue 1, 2021, pp: 1-8

3. User Satisfaction with Barangay 4. Issues Encountered in using the Barangay

Information System Information System
Table 1. Dimensions of User Satisfaction Results Table 2. Issues encountered by residents in
using the BIS and offered solutions
DIMENSIONS OF
WM VI RANK
USER SATISFACTION SYSTEM QUALITY
System Quality 3.69 S 2
Issues/Concerns ● Slow updates
Information Quality 3.56 S 3 ● Unsatisfactory
updates
Service Quality 3.37 MS 4
Suggestion/Possible Maximize the use
Perceived Usefulness 3.73 S 1
Solution of social media by
AVERAGE providing reliable,
WEIGHTED MEAN:
3.59 S
complete and
0 – 1.49 = Very Dissatisfied 1.5- 2.49 = Dissatisfied valuable
2.5 – 3.49 = Moderately Satisfied 3.5 – 4.49 = Satisfied
4.5 – 5 = Very Satisfied
information

INFORMATION QUALITY

Table 1 presents the dimensions of user Issues/Concerns ● Use of English

satisfaction result revealing a satisfied rate with the language
barangay information system. This clearly ● Inadequate
indicates that the system was able to meet the ● Vague
information needs of the residents. However, ● Confusing
service quality having the lowest average mean of
Suggestion/Possible Make it more
3.37 showed the concern on the capability of the
Solution simple and
information officer to deliver information and
understandable
respond to the needs, queries and comments of
the community. SERVICE QUALITY

Accordingly Masri et al. (2019) states that

Issues/Concerns ● Delayed service
service quality on multi-communication ● Slow Response
mechanisms enables the user to have their ● Doesn’t
accommodate all
complaints responded to in a timely manner. In
addition, service quality measures the difference
between what the residents’ feelings and needs Suggestion/Possible Improve the
and what is offered accordingly to fulfill residents’ Solution responsiveness in
expectations. These data help in illustrating the distributing
amount of attention that barangay have given in information
accordance to the dimensions of user satisfaction especially in this
and identify areas of improvement. setting with
pandemic

5
Behind the Truth Social Science Research Journal
Volume 1, Issue 1, 2021, pp: 1-8
Table 2 shows the concerns expressed by the
residents with their experience in Barangay
Information System relative to the dimensions of
user satisfaction. While the study directly explores
the issues encountered in BIS, several
respondents mentioned that even though the
information system is good, they believe that
there's still room for further development. The
existing information system of Barangay Sucat,
received an overall satisfied rating from its
residents as the barangay officials and its staff are
observed to be doing their best in providing quality
service. However, despite these efforts, there are
still some factors that need improvement.
Likewise, several studies have developed
an information system that can automate the
record-keeping process of the barangay. While it
becomes beneficial to the residents and the
barangay, an immediate dissemination of
information is still an issue. The study findings of
Almalki (2017) indicate that the management
aspect is an influential variable in the
implementation of the information system while
providing further evidence that there is a lack of
coordination between IT and industry at the
institutional level and in upper management.
Similarly, the issues encountered with BIS could
be solved by building a stronger connection and
collaboration between the barangay and residents.
It is to align the information needs of the residents
with system priorities.
Conclusion
Efficient information system holds considerable
advantages in processing and disseminating
information in the community. This paper
concludes that the majority of the respondents are
at the emerging adult stage with ages ranging from
18-28 years old. Most of them were female and are
moderately aware of the barangay information
GUIDELINES
system. TheFORinformation
CONCLUSION: system of Barangay
Sucat is primarily focused on the collection,
 Present conclusions chronologically
storing, analysis and use of data for project and
based on each research question/
programobjective/
planningstatement
and implementation.
of the problemIt adopts a
computer-based
 It may be indatabase as its
numerical order, storage, and
bullet
disseminates information
form, or paragraph form through barangay
officials, volunteer community leaders, and social
media.
Despite the concerted efforts to provide
quality service, the barangay recognizes the need
for manpower and training of officials to adapt to
the changing environment and needs of the
community. In the assessment of satisfaction on
the barangay information system, the accumulated
data revealed that the residents are satisfied with
the information system (system quality,
information quality, perceived usefulness) wherein
majority of the respondents expressed service
quality as a concern. Despite obtaining an overall
rating of "satisfied," some residents still encounter
issues using the barangay information system.
Recognizing the barangay's efforts to strengthen
its information services, the residents believe that
some of its processes could still improve. The
respondents do not just report issues, but they also
present suggestions on how the barangay could
provide their information needs with emphasis
given to consider the residents in middle age.
Recommendations
Assessing the government initiatives on the
efficiency of providing information needs is
important in maintaining a sustainable, safe and
peaceful community especially now with the
pandemic. While the satisfaction with the
information system is reasonably good, there is a
growing concern on maximizing the use of
technology to respond to the needs of the
community. For the barangay officials, providing
access to training programs particularly
6
Behind the Truth Social Science Research Journal
Volume 1, Issue 1, 2021, pp: 1-8

addressing
GUIDELINES the service quality indicators - along
FOR RECOMMENDATIONS: Cimene, F.T. (2019). Digital Divide in Urban Barangay
Governance and Its Policy and Research
with community participation about information
 May chronologically present Implications. International Journal of Innovative
systems - should be adopted. There could also be Research and Development, 8(3). DOI:
recommendation based on each
a core group of individuals trained and committed 10.24940/ijird/2019/v8/i3/MAR19020
research question/ objective/
to the fast dissemination
statement of reliable information, if
of the problem Gran, M. (2019, March 8). The global role of women -
possible,
 It with
may betechnical competency.
in numerical order, bullet Moreover, caretakers, conscience, farmers, educators, and
community information and
form, or paragraph form education drive must entrepreneurs. Global Volunteers.
also be Maytaken to instil the different https://globalvolunteers.org/global-role-of-
enumerate the beneficiaries of policies
women/
implemented in the community.
the study along with recommending
statements for each of them Huang, H.H. (2015). The Probability Model of Expectation
In addition, significant efforts to increase Disconfirmation Process. Expert Journal
awareness of the barangay information system Marketing.
should be done by the residents for them to have http://marketing.expertjournals.com/23446773-
303/ Kalankesh, L., Nasiry, Z., Fein, R., &
access to information and benefit from it. Other Damanabi, S. (2019). Factors Affecting the User
means of obtaining information should be explored Satisfaction with Information System: A
by young adults, who have a considerable Systematic Review. Galen Medical Journal, 9,
e1686. http://dx.doi.org/10.31661/gmj.v9i0.1686
influence on the use of technology.
Communication with the barangay officials must Labella, E. (2020).Barangays Play Key Role in Campaign
also be done with respect and honesty especially vs COVID-19 - Mayor Edgardo. Cebu City.
https://www.cebucity.gov.ph/barangay-play-key-
when conveying comments, suggestions, role-in-campaign-vs-covid-19-mayor-edgardo-
concerns or issues about their service. This way, labella/
mutual respect is earned, and both parties will be
able to learn and improve performances towards Martinez, K., Lalata, M.A., Agra, J.D.,& Abogado, R.
(2019). Barangay Management Information
community development. It is highly encouraged System. [Bachelor’s thesis, Renaissance School
to exercise not only the rights but also the of Science and Technology]. Scribd.
responsibilities. Furthermore, future researchers https://www.scribd.com/document/422613871/B
ARANGAY-MANAGEMENT-INFORMATION-
may study the significant relationship of SYSTEM-CHAPTER1
government initiatives and citizen’s engagement
towards development. Masri, N. W., You, J. J., Ruangkanjanases, A., Chen, S.
C., & Pan, C. I. (2019). Assessing the Effects of
Information System Quality and Relationship
Quality on Continuance Intention in E-Tourism.
International
GUIDELINES journal of environmental research
FOR REFERENCES:
References and public health, 17(1), 174.
Almalki, M., Al-fleit S., & Zafar, A. (2017). Challenges in https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17010174
 Follow the APA 7 Edition format
th
Implementation of Information System Strategies
in Saudi Business Environ-ment: A Case Study of  Set the indentation of every
Mayer, E. & Krauter, N. (2019). Does structure matter?
a Bank. International Journal of Emerging Trends reference
The entryofto organizational
influence “hanging” structure on
& Technology in Computer Science, 43(1), 56-64.  information
Organize all [Master’s
entries in
overload. Thesis, Linköping
ascending
https://doi.org/10.14445/22312803/IJCTTV43P1 University]. Diva-Portal.
order (A-Z) based on the first http://www.diva-
08 portal.org/smash/get/diva2:1322992/FULLTEXT
author’s surname
01.pdf
Campbell, L. (2017). Working with people and
communities in urban humanitarian crises’ Rouse, M. (2015). IS (Information System or Information
ALNAP Working Paper. London: ODI/ALNAP. Services). What Is.
https://www.alnap.org/system/files/content/resour https://www.google.com/amp/s/whatis.techtarget.
ce/files/main/alnap-urban-people-and- com/definition/IS-information-system-or-
communities-2017.pdf information-services%3famp=1

7
Behind the Truth Social Science Research Journal
Volume 1, Issue 1, 2021, pp: 1-8

Tagliabue, F., Galassi, L. & Mariani, P. (2020). he

“Pandemic” of Disinformation in COVID-19. SN
Comprehensive Clinical Medicine, 2, 1287–1289.
https://doi.org/10.1007/s42399-020-00439-1

Wehn, U. & Almomani, A. (2019). Incentives and barriers

for participation in community-based
environmental monitoring and information
systems: A critical analysis and integration of the
literature. Environmental Science & Policy, 101,
341-357.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envsci.2019.09.002

Wood, D., Crapnell, T., Lau, L., Bennett, A., Lotstein, D.,
Ferris, M., & Kuo, A. (2018). Emerging Adulthood
as a Critical Stage in the Life Course. In Halfon,
N., Forrest, C., Lerner, R., & Faustman, E. (Eds.),
Handbook of Life Course Health Development.
(pp. 123-143). Springer, Cham.
https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-47143-3_7