The National Defense College of the Philippines (NDCP) conducted an Internal Quality Audit (IQA) Training for select personnel from 10 to 12 May 2023 at the Eugenio Lopez Center, Antipolo, Province of Rizal. The said training aimed to provide the participants a deeper understanding and appreciation of the process of conducting internal audits.

In his opening remarks, Mr Manmar C Francisco, Chair of the Quality Management System (QMS) Training and Promotion Committee encouraged the participants to separate their personality and personal preferences from institutional processes in order to further deepen institutionalization efforts in NDCP based on ISO 9001:2015 requirements, legal mandates, and internal guidelines. He emphasized that constructive and objective criticisms were not an affront to specific personnel but rather an opportunity to improve standard operating procedures and policies regardless of personalities. Mr Francisco also underscored the importance of the training in relation to the practice of complete staff work (CSW) in NDCP.

During the audit, which was facilitated by Ms Merian Domingo of the SOCOTEC Certification Philippines Inc, there were discussions and simulations on the audit process, which covered audit planning, audit preparation, audit performance, review, follow-up, and verification of the effectiveness of corrective action.

In his closing remarks, Mr Aldrin C Cuña MNSA, NDCP Executive Vice President and QMS Team Leader, highlighted the importance of flow charts in order to have clear documentation and understanding of all procedures. Mr Cuña thanked and congratulated the participants for further upgrading their skills with the view of elevating the quality of procedures and policy implementation in NDCP.