^{by Almar E. Villanueva and Mae Ann P.
Casuyac}

In compliance with E.O. No. 605, directing all government offices to implement Quality Management System (QMS) with the objective of institutionalizing structures, mechanism, and standards in government, the DILG Central Office conducted a seminar-workshop for Region IX on QMS establishment. This will ensure quality in systems and processes in government operations.

 ^{RD Paisal Abutazil (standing, left) takes the lead in the group discussion on the Quality Policy workshop.}

DILG IX Regional Director Paisal Abutazil welcomed the participants, facilitators and organizers. He said, “This orientation is not a walk-in-the-park activity na puwede tayong magbonding-bonding o maglakwatsa. Tutok talaga tayo dito.” (This orientation is not a walk-in-the-park activity where we can just hang out. We need to focus.)

“I would like to request every one of you to empty your cup to learn this new thing. This experience will serve as our lead in raising the bar of our services,” he added.

Ms. Cynthia R. Ramirez, an ISO Trainer/Consultant/External Auditor, discussed topics on understanding the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 9001:2015; understanding its key concepts, principles, terms, structure, and requirements, among others. It also elaborated on documentation; the requirements, harmonization of the central QMS to that of the region, and determining the business process map.

Writeshops followed these lectures where participants produced outputs. The last day was devoted for setting objectives in ISO 9001:2015. A quality policy commitment signing followed thereafter.

There were around 25 participants from Region IX who were actively engaged in the activity held on July 10-14, 2017 in Zamboanga City. The region was also recognized for being the first region given with a certificate of completion for having a 100% attendance turnout from start to finish.

The words of RD Abutazil posed as a challenge to all participants when he said at the onset that, “Accreditation is (a) secondary thing. What is very important is we will be able to establish our own Quality Management System.”