The Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation (PCIC) quality management system has remained compliant to the standards of ISO 9001:2015 and has retained its certification. 

This finding was determined by  the second surveillance audit conducted from September 28-30  by TÜV Rheinland, an international ISO 9001 certifying body.  The audit was done remotely by a team headed by Michelle Pestañas.   It covered the PCIC head office in Quezon City and Regional Offices 1 (Pangasinan), 3A (Nueva Ecija), 6 (Iloilo) 10 (Cagayan de Oro City) and 11 (South Cotabato).

“We are pleased that the Corporation’s products and services have again been recognized as compliant to world-class standards,” President Jovy Bernabe said.

“This recognition reflects the dedication and hardwork of our officials and employees and inspires us to continue giving efficient and quality service to our clients, the farmers and fishers,” he added.

The ISO 9001:2015 is the latest version of quality management system that helps improve market access opportunities, increase organizational efficiency, generate trust with customers, improve processes and structures and achieve significant cost savings,  TÜV Rheinland states on its website.

In its audit report, TÜV Rheinland found the Corporation’s “quality policy [is] binding and implemented. This quality policy is appropriate and provides a framework for the respective quality objectives. It commits all employees to pursue continuous quality system improvement.”

Moreover,  the report note that process workflows and interactions have been described and appropriately controlled, and are evaluated at regular intervals; and that risk-based thinking are being realized in the organization.

In terms of customer satisfaction, TÜV Rheinland noted that the PCIC analyses and evaluates customer requirements; maintains documented and effective procedures in the handling of information, actions and responses to customer feedback.

The conduct of the remote surveillance audit was decided following a capability assessment by TÜV Rheinland on the readiness of the agency for the audit in the face of  the restrictions imposed due to the pandemic,  including the capacity of its internet connection.    The assessment showed minimal impact on PCIC operations.