Update on Baguio QMS presented
An update and review of the city government’s Quality Management System (QMS) was presented during the virtual management committee meeting, Dec. 7, of local officials led by Mayor Benjamin Magalong and joined by representatives of the Development Academy of the Philippines (DAP).
QMS encourages all local government units to establish an ISO aligned system to effect improvement in public sector performance by ensuring citizen-focused and consistent quality of public services.
The update was based on internal and external issues of the city government compiled from inputs of various departments and offices that also looked into political, social, economic, environmental and technological factors.
As gathered from the inputs, among the city government’s strengths are teamwork and commitment to serving public needs while weaknesses are the need for more technological capability and others.
Threats facing the smooth flow of city government services and opportunities that are available for improvement were also presented and discussed during the meeting.
Earlier this year, the city was among ten local government units chosen as beneficiaries of the national government-funded Government Quality Management Program (GQMP) that promotes quality improvement in the government sector.
Technical assistance to develop ISO 9001:2015 QMS standard will be provided by the DAP that has funding through the General Appropriations Act of 2021.
City Planning and Development Office head Donna Rillera Tabangin said the QMS standard covers the city’s management, core and support processes, and effect improvement in the quality of its services for the provision and regulation of quality public services, programs and projects in the areas of health, social welfare, public information, environmental management, public infrastructure, tourism, public safety and economic development to its constituents.
The DAP will prepare the project’s course design; provide resource persons; provide technical advice and guidance; conduct readiness assessment and final preparations for ISO 9001:2015 certification process.
As a beneficiary, the city has no financial obligation but is required to designate a counterpart support team; provide logistical requirements; provide transportation; ensure implementation of project activities and provide policy support;
Ensure availability of staff participants; finish projects within agreed duration; procure a 3rd party certifying body within three months upon completion of the technical assistance; pursue certification within six months; and provide progress reports.
Project completion is slated at the end of this month. – Gaby B. Keith
