By Leonardo Micua

SAN FERNANDO CITY, La Union—The  Department of Science and Technology in Region 1 now has an upgraded international standard of management after receiving the Certificate of Registration with ISO 9001:2015 from Certification International Philippines, Inc.

Flordeliza Alida, special assistant of DOST Region 1, said this means that DOST 1 can now operate a quality management system that conforms to ISO 9001:2015.

Alida said over the weekend, the certifying body confirmed that DOST 1 certification with ISO 9001: 2008 will end on February 19 while the ISO 9001:2015 certification will be effective for three years from Feb. 20, 2018 to Feb. 19, 2021.

The DOST certificate number CIP/4208/09/01/621, recognizes that the DOST-1 and its Provincial S&T (Science and Technology) Centers will now operate based on the Quality Management Systems (QMS) requirement of ISO 9001:2015 version.

The certification further reflects that DOST-1 has been continuously improving its processes/methods, procedures and routines in carrying out its programs, projects, and activities specifically in providing science and technology transfer services, science and technology information, promotion and advocacy, and S&T scholarships to the public and its partners to attain its quality policy and objectives, said Alida.

The ISO 9001:2015 is a new version of QMS standards that deals with the risk-based thinking process approach in implementing the organization’s programs and projects towards the fulfillment of the demand of quality service to its clients.