The Mines and Geosciences Bureau Central Office (MGB CO) successfully passed the second surveillance audit conducted by the SGS Philippines, Inc. (SGSPI) for its International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 14001:2015, Environmental Management System (EMS). SGSPI, the certifying body, recommended for the Continued Certification after its four (4) auditors completed the said audit on December 22, 2021, via Microsoft Teams.
During the Opening Meeting, SGSPI presented the objectives and schedule of the surveillance audit. In addition, Atty. Wilfredo G. Moncano, MGB Director, presented the Top Management Updates that include scope and boundaries; business process; products and services; and EMS Policy and Objectives, among others. After the presentation, SGSPI proceeded with the audit proper.
Despite the challenges brought by the COVID-19 pandemic, the surveillance audit was conducted with the objective to determine: (1) conformity of the management system, or parts of it with audit criteria; (2) ability to ensure applicable statutory, regulatory, and contractual requirements are met; and (3) effectiveness to ensure the client can reasonably expect to achieve specified objectives. Further, the audit identified applicable areas for potential improvement and found that MGB CO has demonstrated the ability of the EMS to systematically achieve the requirements of the audit standards.
The surveillance audit was completed with a Closing Meeting where the SGSPI announced the results of the said audit. Engr. Juancho Pablo S. Calvez, Chief, Metallurgical Technology Division and Officer-In-Charge, Assistant Director in the concurrent capacity of MGB thanked SGSPI and the MGB CO personnel involved in the EMS for the successful conduct of the surveillance audit.
MGB CO is currently an accredited agency for the implementation of its second year of ISO 14001:2015 EMS.
SGS Closing Meeting during the ISO 14001:2015 2nd Surveillance Audit
By: Mine Safety, Environment and Social Development Division