PASIG CITY, October 19, 2018 – In line with its mandate to formulate, implement, and coordinate policies, plans, programs, and projects in the areas of formal and non-formal basic education, the Department of Education (DepEd), through its Bureau of Human Resource and Organizational Development–Organization Effectiveness Division (BHROD-OED), formally launched its Quality Management System (QMS) certifiable to ISO 9001:2015 standards.

DepEd Secretary Leonor Magtolis Briones, together with members of the Executive Committee, graced the said launch during the Department’s general assembly on October 15 at the Bulwagan ng Karunungan.

The Education chief expressed her pride and appreciation of the Department’s human resource: “Ito ay isang napakalaking resource dahil tayo ay repository ng available, at least available, na kaalaman sa ating mundo, sa ating bansa, at iyon ay isang napakalaking responsibilidad.”

Continuous improvement
The establishment of QMS in DepEd is expected to enhance people capacity, internal systems, and processes resulting in efficient and effective delivery of basic education services. It shall cover DepEd’s core processes, management, and support processes, and shall be a coordinated and shared responsibility across all governance levels, pursuant to Executive Order (E.O.) No. 605, s. 2007, entitled “Institutionalizing the Structure, Mechanisms, and Standards to Implement the Government Quality Management Program (GQMP).”

Meanwhile, the Development Academy of the Philippines (DAP), through the General Appropriations Act (GAA) of 2018, provides DepEd offices and schools, specifically the Central Office, and the pilot field offices (CALABARZON, the Schools Division Office of Biñan, Biñan Integrated National High School, and Biñan Elementary School), with technical assistance in this undertaking.

The BHROD-OED, in cooperation with DAP, likewise spearheaded the roster of activities on QMS including the Orientation on ISO 9001:2015; Process Walkthrough; Training Course and Workshop on ISO 9001:2015 QMS Requirements and Documentation; Workshop on Process Mapping and Risk-Based Quality Planning; Technical Guidance on Enhancement of Operational Controls and Procedures; Seminar-Workshop on Streamlining Frontline Services and 5S Good Housekeeping; Technical Guidance on QMS Implementation; and Training Course and Workshop on Auditing QMS (Planning and Report Writing).

Other activities lined up include the Training Course on Root Cause Analysis and Corrective Action Formulation; Technical Guidance on Management Review; and Readiness Assessment.

Quality policy statement
BHROD Director Ma. Lourdes Pantoja led the presentation of the Department’s quality policy statement during the general assembly.

The policy declares that DepEd is committed to provide quality basic education that is accessible, inclusive, and liberating to learners through proactive leadership; shared governance; evidence-based policies, standards, and programs; responsive curriculum and programs; highly competent and committed officers, teachers, and personnel; and appropriate learning environment.

It further states that the Department upholds the highest standards of conduct and performance to meet stakeholders’ expectations by adhering to constitutional mandates, statutory, and regulatory requirements, and continually improving the QMS.

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