LGU conferred IOS 9001: 2015 certification

By Mar S. Arguelles

The Sorsogon provincial government was conferred on July 1 an International Organization for Standardization (IOS) certification, the first local government unit (LGU) in Bicol to be recognized for its quality management services (QMS) in the fields of local governance, environment, health, social, infrastructure, and disaster services.

Sorsogon Gov. Francis Joseph “Chiz” Escudero said that with the IOS 9001:2015 QMS certificate received from the Certification International Philippine Inc. (CIPI), the people of Sorsogon can rest assured that they will continue to receive efficient public service that meets international standards.

“Being IOS-certified makes us proud as a province because we are at par with the international standards in terms of governance, transparency, and accountability,” Escudero said.

The provincial chief executive said that he together with provincial officials and employees were honored to be bestowed as the first IOS-certified province in Bicol.

He said that of the 81 provinces in the country, only six LGUs have received IOS certification, “we were among the six provinces to be given the recognition,” he added.

Aside from being the first ISO-certified province in Bicol, the CIPI has also given ISO certificates to the LGU of Castilla, the first town to be given recognition, followed by Pilar, Bulan, and Donsol LGUs.

In a recognition ceremony held at the newly refurbished Sorsogon provincial gymnasium, Escudero said “Sorsoganons will be assured of quality and efficient service from all the 22 offices of the provincial government that are committed to provide the services they need, saying, “Servisio na walang kulang, walang subra, ang pag gatos nang kaban ng bayan ay sa tama, sa wasto, sa maayos at walang pagaaksaya,” he added.

“This IOS certification reinforces the kind of service we deliver to the people of Sorsogon. Dito sa atin hindi pwede ang pwede na dahil ang servisyo natin ay mabilis, ang serbisyo natin ay mahusay ang serbisyo natin ay dekalidad mula sa simula hanggang sa dulo,” he said.

The Switzerland-based ISO is a standards-setting body composed of experts from across the globe and is recognized worldwide for focusing on QMS and in documenting processes, procedures and responsibilities on quality and control, as well as professionalizing the ranks of employees for quality services.

Preparation for the certification of the Sorsogon provincial government started in June 2019 under the supervision of the Development Academy of the Philippines (DAP), when the former senator assumed office as governor while systems audit started last April and May this year.