VCAA Dr. Marissa N. Parcon, graced the activity and expressed the gratitude of MSU-Maguindanao to the NAP for granting the reality of the 3-day seminar-workshop by sending four experts in their respective professions who are prepared to impart their expertise with the participants. She challenged the attendees to apply the acquired knowledge and skills they have learned from the speakers to their own units or offices.

Mr. Terence Michael A. Tablizo, the Supervising Records Management Analyst, oriented the participants an Introduction to Records Management, the Republic Act 9470 that covered the areas of Records Creation and Control, Mail Management, File Management, and Records Disposition Administration. He further emphasized that all government agencies are required to create and maintain in accessible form complete and accurate records of the agency until disposition is authorized.

Ms. Virginia S. Raymundo, Chief of Records Management Analyst of the Records Center Division discussed the Records Center Administration, including its legal basis, core functions, operations, facility requirements, disposal of records in the Center, storage facility standards, and integrated pest management program. She underlined the value of keeping records in the Records Center by monitoring the status of the records on a regular basis.

Ma. Teresa Pagaragan, Chief of the Archives Collection and Access Division, went into great detail on archive principles and practices. She implied that an archive is defined by its content, significance, and utility rather than by the documents’ age or outward look. “There is no history without Archives,” she added, underscoring the significance of archives.

Archivist Ms. Irma Fe Gerpacio presented lectures on preservation of records and introduction to disaster preparedness. According to Ms. Gerpacio, it is imperative to secure and maintain vital records from damage. Government employees particularly the records custodian must be prepared before, during, and after the disaster.

The training concluded by Dr. Leonel P. Untong, the Records Management Officer, challenging the participants to apply their newly gained knowledge and abilities in the workplace and appreciate it as well.