DFA receives ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management System certification
The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) officially received the ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management System (QMS) certification, issued by TÜV NORD Philippines, Inc., during a virtual ceremony recently.
The Department’s ISO 9001:2015 certification was pursued in accordance with Executive Order (E.O.) No. 605, series of 2007, which mandates the implementation of QMS in the public sector with priority given to frontline services. The adoption of E.O. 605 entails the government’s delivery of quality public service, which requires the maintenance of a Citizen’s Charter and the regular ISO 9001 certification of processes, among others.
The ISO certification was issued following the DFA’s successful surveillance audit in December last year. The scope of the ISO 9001:2015 Certification includes the passport, authentication, and visa application services of the Office of Consular Affairs (OCA) in Aseana and its consular offices in NCR, the Assistance-to-Nationals services of the Office of the Undersecretary for Migrant Workers Affairs (OUMWA), and all other support services provided by DFA Home Office units.
In his speech, Secretary Teddy Boy Locsin noted that “being certified as compliant to the ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management is a comforting reassurance . . . a globally-recognized organization has recognized our efforts to strengthen the DFA.”
…a globally-recognized organization has recognized our efforts to strengthen the DFA. —Secretary Teodoro Locsin
The DFA, having been ISO certified for six consecutive years, remains consistent and true to its commitment of ensuring that the institution is “a resilient foreign service for a strong Philippines.” The DFA adheres to promoting a people-oriented public service, as demonstrated by the effective and efficient processes that are rigorously audited against the ISO 9001:2015 standards.