In recognition of its organizational excellence with the purpose of continually improving and building upon outstanding results and systems, the Department of Labor and Employment Regional Office XI has achieved the Recognition for Proficiency in Quality Management – Level II during the 24^th Assessment Cycle of the Philippine Quality Award (PQA) Program, conferred by the Department of Trade and Industry-Competitiveness Bureau in a virtual ceremony on March 23, 2022.

The PQA Program awards the Level II recognition to an organization that has demonstrated significant progress in building notable processes, has established approach to system-level management, and has implemented quality and productivity improvement plans.

In his acceptance speech, DOLE XI Regional Director Atty. Randolf C. Pensoy emphasized that this milestone was a fruit of DOLE XI’s passion and commitment. “Excellence is an innate quality of the people in the Department of Labor and Employment Regional Office XI. This is very evident in the quality of programs and services that we provided to Davaoeños.”

OIC-Assistant Regional Director Atty. Jason P. Balais added that this journey became a proof that DOLE XI can be an embodiment of resilience and perseverance in striving for excellence. “Such commitment was specially demonstrated during our PQA journey, from the groundwork down to the crucial parts of preparation, where every form of contribution was valuable in the attainment of our goal. This journey was no easy feat. What’s more challenging is that we are confronted by the challenges brought by the pandemic but luckily, we have dedicated personnel and staff with unflagging enthusiasm to go above and beyond expectations.”

DOLE XI’s preparation for the PQA application started in October 2019. When the COVID-19 pandemic started in 2020, the preparation was put on hold to focus on mitigating the negative consequences of the pandemic on the labor sector. The Office submitted its application to the 24^th cycle of the Philippine Quality Award on June 24, 2022.

On September 20-22, 2021, DOLE XI was assessed as an organization through a virtual site visit, in view of the restrictions imposed due to the pandemic. The three-day assessment validated and substantiated the application report of the office in terms of its quality management system.

Along with its ISO 9001:2015 – Quality Management System and ISO 45001:2018 – Occupational Health and Safety Management System certifications, DOLE XI’s PQA journey is another manifestation of the organization’s dedication and commitment to improve its overall performance by ensuring full, decent, and productive employment for all Filipinos.### MFKM