NAMRIA once again demonstrated its dedication to excellence by passing the second surveillance audit for its continuous accreditation to ISO 9001:2015. The audit was conducted online via GoTo Meeting on 30-31 August 2023. The achievement proved the agency's unwavering commitment to providing accurate, dependable, and up-to-date geospatial information for the Philippines.

 

Certification International Philippines, Inc. (CIP) conducted the two-day audit, which was directed by team leader Ms. Rea M. Candelario and team members Mr. Carlos I. Somera and Mr. Danilo N. Pilar. The activity examined NAMRIA's adherence to the ISO 9001:2015 standard, as well as its management system processes and documentation of mapping and geospatial information management. It also assessed the maintenance and effectiveness of the agency's management system against specified requirements for continued certification.

 

A most significant result of the audit was NAMRIA's being able to show its conformity to the standards of ISO 9001:2015 in all of the areas covered. In addition, planning requirements were thoroughly documented—incorporating identified challenges, demands, and expectations of interested parties in alignment with the development of quality targets. Monitoring and measurement of actual performance based on defined goals were validated in all audited areas. Furthermore, the suitability, sufficiency, and effectiveness of the agency's Quality Management System were determined to be adequate. An ongoing certification was recommended, subject to the filing of a satisfactory corrective action report for one minor non-conformity raised.

 

In a statement following the audit results, DA Efren P. Carandang thanked, on behalf of NAMRIA Administrator, Usec. Peter N. Tiangco, PhD, the auditors for their very comprehensive report on the activity. He also assured that "all the findings, whether positive or adverse, will not just be noted but rather will be digested and considered as opportunities to further improve the robustness and efficiency of the agency's processes."