The Department of Education (DepEd) has launched the National Quality Management System (NQMS) certifiable to the ISO 9001:2015 standards to enhance education service delivery and client satisfaction nationwide.
Education Secretary Leonor Briones, in a statement issued Friday, Oct. 1, said that after several years of continuous efforts and tireless preparations to align DepEd processes and systems with ISO9001-2015 QMS standards, DepEd “now endeavors mightily to establish and implement a QMS that is certifiable to ISO 9001:2015 standards.”
Based on DepEd Order No. 009, s. 2021, the QMS “aims to integrate and streamline the systems and processes” within the Department through the QMS Manual and Procedures, and Working Instructions Manual (PAWIM) that will serve as a guide for all DepEd offices and schools.
Meanwhile, Briones also acknowledged the Development Academy of the Philippines (DAP) through the Government Quality Management Program (GQMP) for providing support and technical assistance to NQMS pilot offices including the Central Office, Region IV-A, CALABARZON, Schools Division Office of Biñan, Biñan Elementary School, and Biñan Integrated National High School.
Fostering continuous improvement
Office of the Undersecretary for Human Resource and Organizational Development Officer-in-Charge (OIC) Wilfredo Cabral explained that the QMS manual details the agency’s declared processes such as the management core support and outsource processes, list of stakeholders and partners, and its commitment to the mandate.
The PAWIM, for instance, provides the procedures on the conduct of the QMS in the Department, including procedures on management review, internal quality audit, corrective action risk management, documented information management, citizen or client satisfaction feedback management, training and advocacy, and knowledge management.
“Likewise, these documents will ensure that all the processes across all governance levels are systematically interconnected and seamless for a better provision of quality basic education services,” Cabral said.
BHROD Director Jenifer Lopez, on the other hand, encouraged all DepEd personnel to work towards achieving the goal of quality management for DepEd’s stakeholders.
“All of us, DepEd employees, teaching and non-teaching personnel, must be aware that our individual contribution is important to DepEd’s overall success and commitment to quality,” Lopez said.
Lopez said that support from everyone is vital. “Your proactive participation and strong involvement to build this organizational culture of providing quality services within the Department of Education,” she added.