QUEZON CITY—In a steadfast commitment to operational excellence and streamlining public service, the National Labor Relations Commission (NLRC) Main Office and National Capital Region Arbitration Branch (NCRAB) underwent a rigorous Internal Quality Audit (IQA) last March 26, 2026.

The audit was conducted by Claro Emmanuel M. Lavado, Chief of the Internal Audit Division I in the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), and Millyscent T. Gutierrez, Administrative Officer at the Financial and Management Division in the National Conciliation and Mediation Board (NCMB). They were assisted by NLRC internal quality auditors, Ailen May A. Hermano and Kurt S. Monares.

The day-long assessment focused on the NLRC’s adherence to the ISO 9001:2015 standards, ensuring that the agency's internal processes remain efficient, transparent, and responsive to the needs of its clientele. These include the Commission’s understanding of the Context of the Organization, establishment and communication of the Quality Policy, actions addressing risks and opportunities, resources (financial, personnel, equipment, facilities, infrastructure, organizational knowledge), monitoring of customer satisfaction, among others.

The joint audit team also focused on the NLRC’s two key processes under its Quality Management System (QMS), namely, the Processing and Release of Judgment Awards and Cash Bonds and the Monitoring of Performance of Labor Arbiters. Additionally, the auditors reviewed the Commission’s compliance with statutory and regulatory requirements and internal guidelines.

“We consider this audit process as a way to validate our compliance with the standards and identify areas for improvement. We look forward to fruitful results of this audit process,” Executive Labor Arbiter and NLRC-QMS Committee Chairperson Cherry Sarmiento said in her opening message.

Initial findings from the joint team noted the NLRC's robust documentation process and digitalization efforts. A final report is expected to be presented during the closing meeting on April 8.

The successful completion of this internal audit serves as a critical pre-requisite for the NLRC's upcoming surveillance audit by external third-party certifiers later this year.

 

ᴘʀᴇᴘᴀʀᴇᴅ ʙʏ:
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