PIA starts preparing for ISO, PQA recognition

By Daniel O. Sagun

Friday 3rd of August 2012

QUEZON CITY, Aug 3 (PIA) -- The Philippine Information Agency (PIA) under the Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) is working double time to get the Philippine Quality Award.

The government's lead information arm is also seeking International Standards Organization (ISO) 9001 recognition.

Secretary Sonny Coloma of the PCOO said PIA would be ready by May next year to submit the requirements for the PQA level 2 award.

”May sapat na kakayahan ang PIA na matamo ito, at pagsikapan nating matamo sa madaling panahon (PIA is capable of achieving this, let’s work to get it as soon as possible),” he said at the PIA Quest for PQA meeting August 1 attended by the agency's top officials and resource persons from the Department of Trade and Industry and other concerned agencies.

The agency earlier started preparing for the ISO recognition which is equivalent to a PQA Level 1 award. “That makes it easier for PIA to aspire for the Level 2 PQA,” Coloma said.

“Maging salamin o larawan ito kung gaano katindi ang ating ginagawang serbisyo sa bayan,” (this reflects our dedication to the country) he said. This would set PIA apart with its synchronized team of leaders and workforce.

PQA was established thru Republic Act 9013 which became a law on February 28, 2001.

The secretary also mentioned three known institutions in the country which achieved the prestigious award. United Laboratories is the only one which got the Level 4 award.

The University of Sto. Tomas (UST) achieved the PQA in time for its 400th anniversary celebration. Centro Escolar University got it after 100 years. PIA celebrated its 25th year anniversary last December.

He said it was not easy to harmonize a complex organization like UST but the institution was able to do it and he hopes that with the cooperation of everybody in the agency, PIA will bag the award next year. (DOS,PIA4B)