THE Philippine Racing Commission is looking to upgrade its IT systems through the adoption of an enterprise-wide resource management system.
Philracom is the government agency under the Office of the President that is tasked with the supervision and regulation of horseracing in the country.
The objectives of such a system are to increase the agency’s operational and management efficiency and produce better reports for the information of stakeholders.
The agency generates much data and information related to horse races, results, breeding, and the like. Related to this, their website lacks the type of security measures that are needed to keep apace with the increasingly advanced technology being used by hackers nowadays.
The proposed resource management system will help deliver better service to industry members as well as racing fans who will be able to access some of the information through the website.
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Philracom also recently established a Racetrack Condition Committee to “institutionalize… track inspection” and establish “a program for the standardization of racetrack maintenance.”
Under Philippine racing rules and regulations and the terms of their franchises, the three racing clubs—Manila Jockey Club, Philippine Racing Club, and Metro Manila Turf Club—are obligated to provide adequate and well-maintained racetracks and grandstands for viewing.
Last April 18, after an incident involving the breakdown of a horse during a race, the Commission passed Resolution No. 8-18 that creates a Racetrack Condition Committee.
It is headed by a representative of Philracom’s Field Inspection Division and six members from the other industry sectors, namely jockeys, horseowners, trainers, a representative each from the Board of Stewards and the racing club concerned, and a club veterinarian.
Among the committee’s duties are to “conduct immediate inspection of the racetrack upon the occurrence of any …accident/incident [whether major or minor] involving any horse in the course of the race.”
They are also to interview jockeys concerned, review videos of the race, and submit a written report to the Commission thereafter.
Kudos to the pro-active chairman of Philracom, Andrew Sanchez, and his commissioners, as they continue to find the best ways to serve their public.
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Dr. Ortuoste is a writer and communications consultant. Facebook: Gogirl Racing and @DrJennyO, Twitter: @hoarsewhsprr and @jennyortuoste