South Cotabato, Philippines– In a decisive move to strengthen transparency and streamline records management, the Provincial Government of South Cotabato (PGSC) disposed of 230 sacks of valueless records during its 2025 Actual Records Disposal Activity on November 25, under the direct supervision of the National Archives of the Philippines (NAP).
Provincial General Services Officer Anna Rose Z. Kasan stressed that the initiative is part of the province’s continuing effort to strengthen transparent and accountable governance.
“Records disposal is not a simple act of throwing documents away. It is a meticulous, regulated process anchored on the Records Disposition Schedule of the National Archives of the Philippines. Every document forwarded to us is carefully evaluated to determine whether it must be retained, archived, or disposed of,” she stated.
She explained that documents such as one-year-old acknowledgment receipts and outdated files are forwarded by offices to prevent accumulation and ensure a clean, organized working environment.
The OPGSO also secured disposal authority from NAP Davao earlier this year to facilitate the activity.
The disposal was jointly supervised by NAP and the Commission on Audit (COA), with NAP Archivist II Mr. Omar Mohktar Umag present to oversee compliance with archival standards.
“We strictly implement authorized disposal methods, including dumping and recycling through NAP-endorsed buyers. All payments from recycling are remitted directly to the Provincial Treasury, ensuring that the process remains transparent and no funds pass through our office,” Kasan added.
The undertaking was supported by the Records Management Improvement Committee (RMIC) and the Inspectorate Team, along with the Office of the Provincial Accountant (OPACC), Office of the Provincial Engineer (OPE), and the Office of the Provincial Treasurer (OPT), reflecting a coordinated approach to responsible records management.
The activity reaffirms the Provincial Government’s commitment to maintaining efficient systems, improving workflow integrity, and upholding Tama kag Maayo nga Serbisyo for the people of South Cotabato.
