The Department of the Interior and Local Government–National Capital Region (DILG-NCR) conducted a preparatory meeting for the upcoming ISO 9001:2015 External Audit, bringing together regional and field office representatives to assess the overall readiness of the organization under its Quality Management System (QMS) on October 17, 2025 via Zoom Platform.

In the opening remarks, Assistant Regional Director Atty. Ana Lyn R. Baltazar-Cortez, CESO IV emphasized that the ISO 9001:2015 certification serves not only as a mark of excellence but also as a reflection of the organization’s dedication to good governance and public service quality.

“Our priority today is to assess the readiness of all regional and field offices. Compliance is not just about documentation, it is about demonstrating that our systems and services are working effectively for the people we serve,” said Assistant Regional Director Baltazar-Cortez.

The meeting aimed to evaluate the preparedness of all DILG-NCR offices for the forthcoming face-to-face external audit, ensuring that QMS-related documents, records, and procedures are updated, consistent, and fully compliant with ISO 9001:2015 standards.

In closing, Regional Director Maria Lourdes L. Agustin, CESO III underscored the significance of sustained commitment and collective effort in ensuring the DILG-NCR’s continued adherence to the principles of quality management.

“As we move closer to achieving our goals, I urge all of us, from the Regional Office down to every field office, to maintain the momentum. Stay consistent. Stay collaborative. And stay focused on our shared goal: to not only meet the standards, but to exceed them,” Regional Director Agustin emphasized.

Through this initiative, DILG-NCR seeks to strengthen coordination and communication among focal persons and offices, promoting a unified and coherent approach to quality management across the region. The session also provided an avenue to identify areas for improvement and reinforce the Department’s commitment to continuous enhancement of service delivery, operational efficiency, and citizen satisfaction.