Readiness of the PUP Human Resource Management Department for Higher Program to Institutionalize Meritocracy and Excellence in Human Resource Management (PRIME-HRM) Maturity Level

This study evaluates the readiness of the Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP) Human Resource Management Department (HRMD) to achieve higher maturity levels within the Civil Service Commission’s PRIME-HRM framework. PRIME-HRM utilizes a four-level maturity scale—Transactional, Process-Defined, Integrated, and Strategic—to elevate public sector HR to world-class standards. Following a 2019 baseline evaluation and subsequent policy alignment, PUP achieved Maturity Level 2 (Process-Defined) in 2024. Adopting a descriptive research design, this study analyzes the capability of PUP’s Personnel Portal and Human Resource Management System (HRMS) to meet core PRIME-HRM requirements, including automation and competency-based frameworks. The evaluation spans four key areas: Recruitment, Learning and Development, Performance Management, and Rewards and Recognition. Findings indicate that while PUP possesses a documented, process-driven system, full automation and system integration remain unoptimized. These technical gaps represent significant barriers to reaching Maturity Levels 3 and 4. The study concludes that enhancing HRMS functionality and operational integration is essential for PUP to transition from a process-defined state to a strategic, integrated HR environment.