The National Tobacco Administration maintains its ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management System (QMS) Certification after passing the Recertification Audit on August 22.
The audit was conducted by the international certification body Société Générale de Surveillance (SGS) on a virtual platform using Microsoft Teams in two sites: the Central Office in Ben-lor Building in Quezon Avenue, Quezon City, and the Farm Technology and Services Department in Batac City, Ilocos Norte.
Gemma T. Jimenea, the audit team leader, with Rowel Linga, Jean Jimenez, and Jonathan Nery as members, reviewed the Agency’s core processes, namely, Research and Development, Regulatory Services, Technology Assistance, Extension, and Production Support Services.
During the exit meeting, Jimenea expressed her appreciation for the Top Management’s commitment to the continual improvement of the QMS. She announced that the Agency is recommended for certification to ISO 9001:2015 with no minor and major nonconformities, and with only nine observations. SGS concluded that NTA has demonstrated the ability of the management system to systematically achieve the requirements of the audit standards.
Administrator/CEO Robert Victor G. Seares Jr acknowledged determination, proactive support, and commitment of all NTA employees to high productivity and awareness of quality of services. “Through the concerted efforts of everyone, this was made possible,” he said.
The Core Team consists of Quality Management Representative (QMR) and Corporate Planning Manager Fortuna C. Benosa, Deputy QMR and Finance Manager Ma. Teresa B. Laudencia, with Dinah E. Pichay (Internal Quality Audit Team Leader), Jun Fred V. Parado (Documents and Records Controller), Zenaida T. Arrojo (Quality Workplace Team Leader), and Michelle P. Nacpil (Training and Education Team Leader).
Members of the QMS Process Teams are Myrna O. Lozano (Research and Development Services), Rohbert A. Ambros (Regulatory Services), Randy I. Abella (Technology Assistance, Extension and Production Support Services), Giovanni B. Palabay (Branch Operations), Neyo E. Valdez (Customer Feedback/Satisfaction), and Joseph B. Benosa (Information and Communication Technology Services), with Teresita D. Dela Rosa (Secretariat Chair), Claire Monnette P. Esteban (Secretariat member) and Melanie R. Parel (Secretariat member).
Administrator/CEO Robert Victor G. Seares Jr, leads the Policy and Steering Team that guides the NTA QMS members.
NTA first eyed the ISO certification in 2016 and was registered as ISO 9001:2008 and successfully transitioned to ISO 9001:2015 QMS in 2018 because of the Agency’s commitment to continuously improve and advance its quality management system in conformance with ISO 9001:2015 Standards.
Conduct of the NTA’s Management Review was held the week before the audit (August 15) to ensure the continuing suitability, adequacy, effectiveness, and alignment of QMS with the strategic directions of the organization.
The ISO Certification facilitates the NTA’s effective and efficient delivery of its services to tobacco farmers and other clienteles and ensures customer satisfaction.