CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT WITHIN DEPED

MONINA B. TIMBOL

To improve basic education service delivery and client satisfaction nationwide, the Department of Education has launched the National Quality Management System (NQMS) certifiable to the ISO 9001:2015 standards. It is in line with fostering continuous improvement within the agency, the DepEd said. This comes after several years of continuous efforts and tireless preparations to align DepEd processes and systems with ISO9001-2015 QMS standards. DepEd now endeavors to establish and implement a QMS that is certifiable to ISO 9001:2015 standards, officials said. According to DepEd Order Noa. 009, s. 2021, the QMS aims to integrate and streamline the systems and processes within the Department through the QMS Manual and Procedures, and Working Instructions Manual (PAWIM) that will serve as a guide for all DepEd offices and schools. Officials also acknowledged the Development Academy of the Philippines (DAP) through the Government Quality Management Program (GQMP) for providing support and technical assistance to NQMS pilot offices. The Office of the Undersecretary for Human Resource and Organizational Development explained that the QMS manual details the agency’s declared processes such as the management core support and outsource processes, list of stakeholders and partners, and its commitment to the mandate. On the other hand, the PAWIM provides the procedures on the conduct of the QMS in the Department, including procedures on management review, internal quality audit, corrective action risk management, documented information management, citizen or client satisfaction feedback management, training and advocacy, and knowledge management. These documents will likewise ensure that all the processes across all governance levels are systematically interconnected and seamless for a better provision of quality basic education services, officials said. Meanwhile, BHROD encouraged all DepEd personnel to work towards achieving the goal of quality management for DepEd’s stakeholders. DepEd employees, teaching and non-teaching personnel, must be aware that their individual contribution is important to DepEd’s overall success and commitment to quality. Their proactive participation and strong involvement will build this organizational culture of providing quality services within the Department of Education.

-oOoThe author is Teacher III at Francisco Henson Elementary School