DOLE-7 hurdles external surveillance audit

CEBU, Philippines — The Department of Labor and Employment-7 has successfully hurdled the External Surveillance Audit   conducted recently by the Certification International Philippines, Inc. (CIP) - its certifying body.

“This is another milestone that the DOLE-7 family has achieved together. I thank and congratulate everyone, who exerted best effort to make this continued ISO Certification possible. We are happy to confidently serve our internal and external customers with our Quality Management System passing with flying colors. Congratulations to all of us!” said DOLE-7 OIC-Regional Director Lilia

A. Estillore.

According to DOLE-7, in a remote external audit held last week, CIP audited the regional office particularly its top management including all the processes under the Internal

Management Services Division (IMSD); Mediation-Arbitration and Legal Services Unit (MALSU) as well as the region’s conduct of the Management Review, Internal Audit and Customer Satisfaction and Complaints Handling.

Also taking center stage in the audit were the two biggest field offices – Tricity Field Office (TCFO) covering the cities of Cebu, Lapu-Lapu and Mandaue and the Bohol Field Office (BFO).

Estillore said that she welcomes opportunities for improvement (OFIs), which the external auditors suggested.

“We believe such would push us more towards excellence, efficiency and effectiveness in the way we deliver our programs and services especially those at the frontline,” said the regional director.

Estillore reiterated the statement of DOLE Secretary Bienvenido E. Laguesma that “not smiling” is an error and

that Customer Focused Services shall be embedded in their goal of achieving poverty alleviation and employment generation.

The ISO External Audit, she said, is a good tool to monitor and determine the efficiency, effectiveness and adequacy of the Quality Management System of DOLE-7.

“This also ensures that applicable statutory, regulatory and contractual requirements are met as we deliver our programs and services,” Estillore further said. (FREEMAN)