The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) is steadfast in maintaining its ISO 9001:2015 Certification by strengthening its Internal Quality Audit (IQA) to verify whether Quality Management System (QMS) is implemented completely, and effectiveness is being maintained and improved upon.
The DPWH QMS Team convened its IQA Auditors on Thursday, May 4, 2023 to set the direction for the conduct of 2023 internal quality audit by harmonizing the opportunities for improvement identified by SOCOTEC Certification International during their recent recertification audit in the first quarter and the previous findings of its IQA.
According to Assistant Secretary and Quality Management System Chairperson Ador G. Canlas, DPWH has proven its commitment to maintain the international standards of ISO 9001:2015 in its service delivery as evidenced by the result of SOCOTEC Certification International’s surveillance audit last February 2023 where no non-conformities were identified in all DPWH offices audited nationwide.
He added that the success of the organization’s QMS rely greatly on its internal quality audit conducted in a systematic manner and thoroughly documented.
DPWH designates selected employees from offices nationwide to serve as internal quality auditors to undergo training and serve as watchdogs to ensure the checks and balances of its processes. IQA auditors also identify conformities, opportunities for improvement, and non-conformities to be endorsed for management action.
The discussion with the IQA Auditors was followed by a separate meeting with the DPWH QMS Representatives from key offices for the leveling of their experiences during the third party audit and setting the tone for the agency’s continued compliance with the QMS standards.
DPWH Deputy QMS Head, Assistant Secretary Marichu A. Palafox underscored the importance of the participation of each office to navigate to the successful certification to the requirements of the standard.
DPWH is the only government agency in the Philippines where all processes and offices undergo ISO 9001:2015 Certification.
The Department has been ISO Certified since 2015.