Iloilo City gets go signal for ISO certification
Delivering services at par with international standards is Iloilo City’s hallmark of governance.
This follows the city government’s successful Readiness Assessment on the development of its Quality Management System (QMS), which revealed that Iloilo City is now certifiable to the ISO 9001:2015 standards.
“It speaks volumes of our efforts and systems that function effectively and are ready to meet international standards of quality, accountability, and efficiency,” said Mayor Jerry Treñas.
The ISO 9001:2015 is a globally recognized standard for quality management systems, ensuring that certified organizations have effective processes and trained personnel in place to deliver seamless services while continually improving.
The assessment came after a yearlong implementation of the Government Quality Management Program (GQMP)—a nationally funded technical assistance program from the Development Academy of the Philippines (DAP) provided to six selected local government units (LGUs) across the country, including Iloilo City.
This marks a significant step in building a better Iloilo City, which, according to Mayor Treñas, “is our journey towards institutional excellence, ensuring that every action we take—whether in health, education, infrastructure, or community welfare—is grounded in transparency, consistency, and a heart for public service.”
Looking ahead, the city commits to securing ISO certification before the end of the year.
“Mangita kita sang accredited ISO assessors. As to when (the city will pursue the certification), it will depend sa kon ano ang ma-agree sang body. But for sure, it will be within 2025,” said Atty. Rudiver Jungco Jr., Asst. Department Head II of the Office of the City Human Resource Management Officer.
To recall, the city entered the GQMP in 2024, during which a technical working group underwent comprehensive training and worked on formulating its own quality policy.
With a QMS now in place, the city ensures continuous improvement through the Plan, Do, Check, and Act Cycle. Gaps such as unclear information flow, recurring transactional errors, vague procedures, and the lack of systems audit and review are now being addressed.
“Tam-an ka substantial ang effect because it will make the services of the city efficient. Systems standard ni sya. Sa bureaucracy, may mga parts kita nga gina-trim. May mga motion study nga makita mo ang process nga laba — ano ang nagapalaba? Kon may makit-an nga sala, i-tackle sa management review and again plan out kon ano ang mga kinahanglan ubrahon para mapa-improve,” Jungco added.
Iloilo City’s QMS is anchored on its “RISE Quality Policy” — Responsive governance, Invest in people, Sustainable growth, and Excellence — all aimed at building a livable, sustainable, and resilient metropolis. (Pearl Socias/Iloilo City PIO)