World Bank approves $67.34M for civil service digitalization

The World Bank has approved a $67.34 million loan to fund the digitalization of the Philippine civil service, aiming to increase transparency and improve salary expense forecasting.

The project will establish a Human Resources Management Information System (HRMIS) and payroll system to enhance workforce planning, career development, and training.

World Bank Country Director Zafer Mustafaoglu emphasized that strong public institutions are crucial for inclusive growth and better service delivery.

The new HRMIS will enable budgeting based on actual staffing levels rather than plantilla positions, improving cash management and potentially saving the government money.

Currently, there is no comprehensive HRMIS covering the entire public workforce; the project will be piloted in 40 agencies including key departments like the Civil Service Commission and Department of Budget and Management.