Tarlac State University's College of Computer Studies launched the TRACOM Student Management Information System (SMIS) at the Training Command in Capas, Tarlac last Thursday (September 11).
The TRACOM SMIS is a centralized platform with a school dashboard that helps Philippine Army students easily access a portal that records and secures training-related data. Consequently, commanders and chief of staff can view the students' records through the SMIS, and the students can also download and print their grades and other learning materials.
While strengthening its database, the TRACOM SMIS also aims to provide a centralized hub for data management, storage, and archiving via the portal, which can only be accessed through the TRACOM network.
“The TRACOM SMIS that we are soft launching today is not just a platform—it is a vision of transformation [sic] that ensures order accountability and innovation in managing the future leaders of our Armed Forces. Just as soldiers (with) discipline and strategy [on] the battlefield, our learners may also structure systems and efficient tools to succeed in the ever-changing world," Vice President for Administration Atty. Gherold C. Benitez said as he read the TSU President's message.
"With this system, we take responsibility not only to innovate but also to serve the men and women who will, in turn, serve the nation," he further read.
The SMIS was developed by CCS faculty members Dr. Carlos Flores Jr. and Dr. Ronnie Mercado, who presented the project scope and the system’s initial graphical user interface (GUI) last April 2025.
Dr. Flores delivered an overview of the SMIS features to the officials present during the launch.
Before the system’s development, TRACOM used the e-Learning Management System, relying on manual records processing through Microsoft Excel spreadsheets and Google Sheets. However, these cannot support the basic record-keeping functions needed to handle volumes of data and documents each year.
In addition, candidate soldiers and officers do not have access to their academic performance and training progress.
Overall, the TRACOM does not have standardized formats for record-keeping.
With the development of the TRACOM SMIS, A user's workshop was held in the first week of September involving around 1,411 students whose records are in the database.
“It's an administrative tool designed not to replace the human but automate internal processes, improve data accuracy, and diminish manual work. Ultimately, it is increasing organizational productivity, [enhancing] operational readiness, and [providing] educational training (for) administrators and advantages that streamline and systemize data organizing capability,” Major Mark Anthony Dela Cruz said in his speech as he introduced the TRACOM SMIS.
Major General Danilo D. Benavides, PA, TRACOM commander, thanked the university administration and faculty members who heeded TRACOM's call to become partners and share their expertise. jlm/OPA
Photo: Eduardo F. Laxamana Jr.
