SUBIC BAY

SBMA receives ISO 9001:2008 certification
May 06, 2013

SUBIC BAY FREEPORT - The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) was recently granted the ISO 9001:2008 certification after passing the audit done by AJA Registrars, Inc., an independent certification body headquartered in the United Kingdom.

SBMA chairman Roberto Garcia received the certification on April 29 from Paul Bagatsing, vice president and general manager of AJA Registrars, Inc.- Philippines.

The certification places the SBMA at par with other organizations and companies around the world in terms of quality management systems.

The ISO 9001:2008 is the international standard for quality management systems set by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO).

The certification specifies requirements for a quality management system where an organization needs to demonstrate its ability to consistently provide product that meets customer and applicable statutory and regulatory requirements.

Under ISO 9001:2008, the organization must aim to enhance customer satisfaction through the effective application of the system, including processes for continual improvement of the system and the assurance of conformity to applicable requirements.

Garcia said the certification came at a very fitting time as the Philippines is now the focus of foreign investors due to the recent upgrades of the country's investment rating.

However, he reminded all SBMA personnel that the manuals set by the ISO are not cast in stone, and that they must strive for improvement all the time.

"We have to continuously train and upgrade our people and bring the mechanisms to make sure that we deliver the quality service that our investors want," said Garcia, a quality practitioner during his time in the private sector.

"Quality means constant improvement - kaizen," he added, referring to the Japanese philosophy of continuous improvement.

Bagatsing, for his part, reminded everyone that the certification is not just a piece of paper. "This represents three things: your past, or your effort that you put in this; your present, what you have now; and your future, or your responsibilities to keep continuous improvement," he said.

He also added that it is vital to strive for more and not be complacent after receiving the ISO certification.

"Remember, your best today will be tomorrow's average performance," he said.

Bagatsing also said that they are very happy that the SBMA decided to pursue full certification. (30)

News 2013