The Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) recently passed the Stage 2 audit conducted by the SGS Philippines, Inc for its application with the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 9001:2008, a Quality Management System (QMS). Following this, the MGB will be recommended by the SGS for certification with the ISO.
The SGS, the ISO 9001:2008 certifying body, conducted the Stage 2 audit last December 1 and 2, 2015. The audit aims to determine conformity of MGB's QMS with the audit criteria and its ability to ensure that applicable statutory, regulatory and contractual requirements are met and its effectiveness to ensure that the client can reasonably expect to achieve specified objectives and to identify applicable areas for potential improvement.
The MGB's QMS covers the following frontline services: 1) Processing and Approval of Exploration Permit Applications; 2) Processing and Approval of Environmental Protection and Enhancement Program and Final Mine Rehabilitation and/or Decommissioning Plan; 3) Geological Laboratory Services; and 4) Metallurgical Laboratory Services.
As part of the Quality Policy, the MGB is committed to establish, maintain, review, and continually improve the effectiveness and suitability of the QMS, its policy and objectives, aligned with the requirements stipulated in the ISO 9001:2008 Standard. With this in mind, it shall impart to all its employees and stakeholders the importance of the QMS to its performance.
To strengthen the MGB's Quality Policy, the Office has a set of Quality Objectives, namely:
- To achieve 70% client's satisfaction thru survey;
- To satisfactorily address the valid stakeholder's complaints within fifteen (15) working days;
- To observe timely delivery of services based on the Citizen's Charter; and
- To comply with all applicable statutory and regulatory requirements and (5) to provide at least 70% of staff development needs.
Seated from left: SGS Auditor Mr. Perry Sanchez, MGB OIC-Assistant Director Atty. Danilo U. Uykieng, SGS Auditors Ms. Jean Jimenez and Mr. Arnold Dizon, and Quality Management Representative Mr. Rodolfo L. Velasco, Jr. with the MGB Internal Auditors
By: Mine Safety, Environment and Social Development Division