The Mines and Geosciences Bureau’s (MGB) core group for the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) implementation is gearing up for the transition of its Quality Management System (QMS) Certification from ISO 9001:2008 to ISO 9001:2015.

 As a preparation, the MGB’s Internal Quality Auditors (IQA) and Document Control Team (DCT) attended trainings on ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management System (QMS) and ISO 14001:2015 Environmental Management System (EMS) Transition/Foundation Course;  and the QMS and EMS Risk Based Thinking Course.  The training was facilitated by SGS Philippines, Inc.

The training courses were anchored on providing knowledge and skills to the IQAs and DCT with regard to the new management system’s purpose and its distinction from the previous versions, as well as its application to the MGB’s work processes.

The new ISO 9001:2015 strongly focuses on the Top Management’s commitment to the implementation and improvement of the QMS, while ISO 9001:2008 focuses mainly on customer satisfaction and improvement. In effect, the new system guarantees a more efficient and effective scheme for the work processes of MGB.

Presently, MGB’s QMS is on its second year of implementation and will be subjected to a surveillance/transition audit in the last quarter of 2017.

The MGB is also in the initial stage of preparation for its application for ISO 14001:2015 EMS.

The trainings were held last July 10, 11, 13 and 14 at the Metallurgical Technology Division’s Conference Room at the MGB Central Office in Quezon City.

By: Mine Safety, Environment and Social Development Division

 The IQAs/DCT brainstorming session during the Action Planning Workshop

 IQAs conducting a process walk at the MGB Chemistry Laboratory