DFA Cited by Government Quality Management Committee

MANILA 05 November 2018 – The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) received recognition from the Government Quality Management Committee (GQMC) for its successful implementation of ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management System (QMS) in ceremonies held on 25 October 2018.

Foreign Affairs Assistant Secretary for Consular Affairs Neil Frank R. Ferrer received the recognition on behalf of the Department, and delivered a message sharing the best practices and accomplishments of the Department.

In his speech, he highlighted the improvements in the DFA process, particularly for authentication and passport services. Amongst the Department’s achievements through the ISO 9001:2015 certification are the improved facilities of consular offices, timely feedback to client concerns, and accessibility of services with the opening of eight additional consular offices and deployment of Passport-on-Wheels (POW) facilities.

“The DFA continues to improve its processes, guided by QMS, to further enhance its public service anchored on the principles of responsibility, integrity, loyalty, and efficiency,” Assistant Secretary Ferrer said.

The Assistant Secretary was joined by DFA Internal Quality Audit Head Giovanni E. Palec, Deputy Quality Management Representative Grace T. Cruz-Fabella, Principal Assistant Crystal Ann S. Dunuan, the QMS Secretariat, and Office of Consular Affairs and Office of Public Diplomacy personnel.

A DFA booth, showcasing a part of the POW process, was set up to accept passport renewal applications as well as answer queries on passport services.

The GQMC honored various government agencies, both in the local and national level, government-owned or –controlled corporations, and local water districts. END