As part of its continuous commitment to delivering quality services to its stakeholders, the Department of Education Region V recently underwent a surveillance audit of its Quality Management System (QMS).
The audit was conducted by TΓV NORD Philippines, Inc., led by Lead Auditor Ma. Janica Verlaine I. Despuig and Auditor Aldvin Reiniel V. Lamarosa, in coordination with the DepEd Central Office β National QMS Secretariat, represented by Hanna Hasmin Cana and Julie Ann Dee.
The surveillance audit included a thorough review of the regionβs documented systems and operational processes. Following this assessment, DepEd Bicol was recommended for certification maintenance in accordance with the standards of the ISO 9001:2015 certification. The announcement was made during the closing meeting held on July 22, 2025, which was attended by the top management and other DepEd Bicol officials.
DepEd Bicolβs ISO journey began in 2018, when the regional office independently pursued ISO 9001:2015 certification as a proactive move to institutionalize quality systems in its operations. This initiative was entirely regional in scope and was not yet part of any national directive.
In contrast, the certification process undertaken in 2024β2025 falls under the Departmentβs institutionalized βOne DepEd, One QMSβ policy, as provided under DepEd Memorandum No. 035, s. 2020, DM No. 078, s. 2021, and further reinforced through DepEd Order No. 009, s. 2021. These issuances mandate all DepEd offices and schools nationwide to adopt a unified Quality Management System aligned with ISO 9001:2015 standards.
As such, the 2024 certification reflects not just regional compliance but full alignment with the national direction of quality governance across the Department.
To comply with this directive, DepEd Bicol underwent a Stage 1 audit (document review) on February 8, 2024, followed by a Stage 2 audit on February 26β27, 2024. The successful completion of these audits and the favorable outcome reaffirm the regionβs readiness and commitment to uphold a quality management system that ensures efficiency, consistency, and stakeholder satisfaction across all its processes.
