The Department of Agriculture Region 9 (Zamboanga Peninsula) recently conducted a benchmarking activity with the Department of Agriculture Ilocos Region (DA-RFO I) to gather insights and best practices on achieving ISO 9001:2015 Certification.

The visit, which took place at the DA-RFO I Conference Hall, was part of DA-RFO IX’s initiative to enhance its quality management system and align with the international standards set by the ISO. The delegates were led by Regional Technical Director for Operations Melba Wee, and Regional Technical Director for Research & Regulations Gemma Genaldo.

The delegation from Zamboanga was warmly welcomed by DA-RFO I’s Regional Executive Director, Dr. John B. Pascual, who expressed his full support for the region’s journey toward ISO certification.

DA-RFO I secured its ISO 9001:2015 Certification in 2018 and is currently in its third cycle of certification, consistently complying with the standards required by ISO 9001:2015.

During the benchmarking activity, the Zamboanga delegation had the opportunity to engage with the ISO Core Management Team of DA-RFO I. The team shared their experiences and strategies in implementing the ISO standards, particularly in understanding and meeting the various clauses provided by ISO 9001:2015. The discussions covered key areas such as process management, risk assessment, internal auditing, and continuous improvement—all crucial components of the quality management system.

Dr. Pascual highlighted the importance of collaboration and knowledge-sharing among regional offices to ensure that the entire Department of Agriculture can uphold the highest standards of service and operational excellence. “We are more than happy to share with you relevant information you need and we hope that our insights will help you in your quest for ISO certification. Achieving and maintaining ISO 9001:2015 Certification requires dedication, teamwork, and a commitment to continuous improvement. We are confident that with your determined efforts, maybe in 2-months time you will secure your certification.”, he said in jest as he welcomed the partipants.

The benchmarking activity provided DA-RFO IX with valuable pointers on the preparation, documentation, and implementation processes required to achieve ISO certification. The exchange of knowledge and best practices between the two regions underscores the Department’s commitment to fostering a culture of excellence and ensuring that all regional offices are equipped to meet global standards.

As DA-RFO IX moves forward with its certification efforts, the insights gained from DA-RFO I’s journey will undoubtedly serve as a strong foundation for their success. The collaboration between the two regions exemplifies the spirit of unity and mutual support that is vital in achieving the Department’s overarching goals of improving agricultural services and ensuring sustainable development across all regions.###