Cebu City – Aspiring to enhance the operations of the regional office, NNC 7 Nutrition Program Coordinator, Dr. Parolita A. Mission together with NNC 7 staff underwent a three (3) day Internal Quality Audit last 09 to 11 June 2014. Members of the auditing team from NNC Central Office were NO IV Ms. Marilou R. Enteria of NIED together with Administrative Officer Mr. Serapio D. Camarines, Jr. and Administrative Assistant III Ms. Lorna L. Rodriguez.
A quality management system is a set of policies, processes and procedures required for planning and execution[1] that focuses on achieving an organization’s policy and objectives. In NNC’s case as the highest policy making body on nutrition, committed to ensure improved access to quality nutrition and related interventions through formulation and coordination of policies and programs with excellence, integrity and transparency.
The audit aims to: a) determine the adequacy and effectiveness of the QMS documentation and implementation of the seven core processes including nutrition policy analysis, nutrition policy formulation, nutrition planning, nutrition program formulation, public information and communication, nutrition surveillance, monitoring and evaluation and nutrition capacity development; b) define the adequacy and effectiveness of QMS documentation and implementation of the support services covering records and documentation management, procurement of goods and services and financial resources management; c) determine areas for improvement; and d) assess the readiness of the regional office for external audit.
The 3 day visit included an orientation of the Quality Management System, actual internal quality audit along management process, seven core processes and support services and feedback. Along management process, the audit team recognized the regional office for its direction setting for effective implementation of QMS and effective communication mechanism that was established, implementation of its vision/strategic direction thru its work and financial plan and consultation with staff and partners particularly the Regional Nutrition Committee and P/CNAOs. The team particularly highlighted NNC 7’s conduct of Regional Management Conference hosted by different LGUs and its good documentation especially coming up of regular and nicely printed annual reports and Nutrition Month documentation reports. NNC 7 is generally in conformity with the 7 core processes and 3 support services. The team also identified opportunities for improvement such as documentation of client feedback, full implementation of 5S, filing system, use of Document Authorization Matrix and use of NAP guidelines on proper retention and disposal of documents and records.
With the vital feedback provided by the team, NNC 7 shall endeavour to continually improve the quality management system it is implementing to satisfy the needs and expectations of its clients with strict adherence to existing laws, rules and regulations. Also, the Quality Management System Audit was done as part of NNC’s aim to be ISO 9001:2008 certified. //DFB
