City to accept GQMP offer

BAGUIO CITY – “Let’s go for it.”

      Thus, declared Mayor Benjamin Magalong as he directed city planning and development coordinator Archt. Donna Rillera Tabangin to inform the Development Academy of the Philippines (DAP) that the city accepts its offer to be a beneficiary of the national government-funded Government Quality Management Program  (GQMP).

       He gave the directive via zoom technology during the regular management committee meeting of city officals, April 13, at the City Hall multi-purpose hall.  Magalong is currently quarantined at his residence after  testing positive of the covid-19 disease more than a week ago.

       The Mayor said, however, that the extension of the project deadline, December 31 of this year, might be

requested since the city is currently focused in fighting the coronavirus-2019 disease and implement its ongoing vaccination rollout program.

       “Since completing the GQMP will be very task-intensive, the city may ask for an extension of the deadline so that we can finish all of the needed requirements,” he said.

       The Summer Capital is among ten local government units chosen as beneficiaries of the program that promotes quality improvement in the government sector and effect improvement in public sector performance by ensuring citizen-focused and consistent quality of public services which can be achieved through an effective Quality Management System (QMS).    

       Technical assistance to develop ISO 9001:2015 QMS standard will be provided by the DAP that has funding through the General Appropriations Act of 2021.

       “The QMS standard covers the city’s management, core and support processes, and effect improvement in the quality of its services for the provision and regulation of quality public services, programs and projects in the areas of health, social welfare, public information, environmental management, public infrastructure, tourism, public safety and economic development to its constituents,” Tabangin said.

       The DAP is expected to prepare the project’s course design; provide resource persons; provide technical advice and guidance; conduct readiness assessment and final preparations for ISO 9001:2015 certification process.

        As a beneficiary, the city has no financial obligation but is required to designate a counterpart support team; provide logistical requirements; provide transportation; ensure implementation of project activities and provide policy support;

       Ensure availability of staff participants; finish project within agreed duration; procure a 3rd party certifying body within three months upon completion of the technical assistance; pursue certification within six months; and provide progress reports.

       Tabangin said that additional activities outside the GQMP like additional batch of training courses may require a separate contract. – Gaby B. Keith

PIO_Baguio