NEDA-Cordillera eyed for ISO certification

By Marissa M. Cabato

BAGUIO CITY -- The National Economic Development Authority Cordillera regional office was recommended for ISO 9001:2015 (International Organization for Standardization) certification for another three years after remote recertification process by SOCOTEC Certification International Philippines last Nov. 22.
    This confirmed effectiveness of the national regional office’s management system in providing regional development coordination, NEDA officials said.
    Lead auditor Kim Winston Pajares cited the national regional office for its commitment in pursuing ISO certification amid the pandemic.
    The SOCOTEC auditors noted positive findings such as modernized administrative functions, orderly premises and accessibility and easy retrieval of records.
    The evaluation and analysis of articles or media releases across regional offices and teamwork during audit was a good practice were also commended.
    The process improvements were reportedly evident such as the Cordillera Administrative Region investment program (CARIPOL) monitoring system and electric records management.
    Assistant NEDA regional director Stephanie Christiansen said the NRO’s initiative to establish and sustain its certification was anchored on its mission “to orchestrate regional development initiatives and aspirations through broad-based consultations, and in an atmosphere that inspires a dynamic fit among management, staff, partners and resources”.
    “As the lead in sub-national development planning and secretariat to the Regional Development Council, the NRO enhanced processes of regional development planning and monitoring, regional development investment program (RDIP) formulation and project evaluation, monitoring and evaluation. Beginning this quarter, secretariat services to RDC meetings will be in operation as support quality management system process and improved its services to the Council.”
    Christiansen added the NRO’s enhanced QMS contributed to successful delivery of its services despite challenges brought by the Covid-19 pandemic. 
    NEDA regional director Susan Sumbeling said the NRO will improve more the QMS, especially in 2022 when the NRO shall be formulating the regional development plan and investment program.
    The agency’s journey in embracing a global quality standard under the ISO QMS began in 2014 when it was first ISO certified under 9001:2008 and in the current QMS version in 2018.