The In-House Training on Root Cause Analysis (RCA) and Corrective Action Management (CAM) conducted by the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) MIMAROPA on April 7, 2026 was a structured and participative learning activity aimed at enhancing the organization’s capability in systematic problem-solving and quality management.
Opening Program and Orientation
The activity commenced with registration, followed by the opening program, which included the prayer and the singing of the national anthem.
This was followed by the welcome remarks delivered by Mr. Alberto A. Sabarias, who emphasized the importance of strengthening internal systems and ensuring compliance with quality standards.
In his message, he underscored that the Region has consistently ranked among the highest in terms of recorded nonconformities, highlighting the urgent need to address recurring issues through a more systematic approach. He elaborated that the application of Root Cause Analysis (RCA) and Corrective Action Management (CAM) is essential in identifying underlying system gaps and preventing recurrence.
He further expressed optimism that the training workshop would serve as a significant step toward improvement, noting that:
“Malaking tulong ang gagawing activity upang mabawasan, at kung maaari ay tuluyang mawala ang mga nonconformities sa susunod na Internal Quality Audit (IQA).”
His remarks set a reflective and purposeful tone for the activity, encouraging participants to take the training seriously and actively apply the concepts in their respective units.
Conceptual Discussion on RCA and ISO Requirements
The session on “RCA Concepts, Problem Identification, and ISO Requirements” was delivered by Ms. Eva Loraine R. Cataje.
The discussion focused on:
- Proper identification of nonconformities
- The importance of objective evidence
- Linking findings to unmet requirements
- Distinguishing between symptoms and systemic issues
Participants were engaged throughout the session, sharing experiences and asking clarifications. A key takeaway was the importance of defining problems in terms of system effectiveness rather than individual actions.
RCA Tools and Techniques
The afternoon session on “RCA Tools and Techniques” was facilitated by Mr. Jehftee R. Panganiban.
Participants were introduced to:
- Brainstorming techniques
- Fishbone (Cause-and-Effect) Diagram
- 5 Whys Technique
This session was highly interactive, as participants began to appreciate the value of structured tools in analyzing complex problems. The facilitator emphasized the importance of open discussion and avoiding premature conclusions.
Corrective Action Management (CAM) and Verification
The session on “Corrective Action Management and Verification” was facilitated by Mr. Melvin Cabanes.
Key concepts discussed included:
- Differentiating correction, corrective action, and preventive action
- Ensuring that actions address root causes
- The importance of monitoring and verifying effectiveness
Participants actively engaged in discussions, particularly on how to ensure that corrective actions lead to sustainable improvements.
Workshop Proper: Use of Actual Nonconformities
The final session, “Workshop and Application,” facilitated by Ms. Raquel Castaneda, utilized actual nonconformities from the region as the primary workshop tool. This approach made the activity highly relevant and grounded in real operational challenges.
The three nonconformities assigned to the groups were:
Group 1: General Services Section (GSS) Documentation Issues
A review of several forms and procedures within the General Services Section (GSS) revealed consistent issues with incomplete documentation, unsigned forms, and unimplemented processes, posing risks to accountability, record-keeping, and operational efficiency.
Specific observations included:
- Vehicular Requisition Slips from June to August (e.g., 6/16, 6/26, 7/2, 7/3, 7/7, 7/31, 8/8) not signed by drivers
- Trip Clearance Forms (GSS-FR-003) with missing entries (control number, division, purpose) and lacking authorized signatures
- Trip Ticket No. 2025-079 not signed by the driver
- Passenger Feedback Forms (CDA-GSS-FR-019), particularly dated 3/13 and 8/15, not properly filled out
- Equipment Borrower’s Form (CDA-GSS-FR-016) dated 1/23 incomplete
- Absence of Daily Restroom Checklists for July 22–25
- Registry of Suppliers (July 2025) unsigned by the GSS in-charge
- Several forms (GSS-FR-12, GSS-FR-17, GSS-FR-20) not yet implemented
Group 2: Non-Maintenance of KPI and Analysis
The second nonconformity involved the absence of consistent monitoring, updating, and analysis of key performance indicators (KPIs). This highlighted gaps in performance tracking and the lack of systematic evaluation of operational effectiveness.
Group 3: ICT Budget Utilization and Communication Gap
The third nonconformity involved a communication gap within ICT operations, where the ICT In-Charge was not aware of the memo regarding sub-allotment for ICT (SAA No. 002-17 2025-03 dated March 21, 2025).
As a result, out of the total budget of ₱804,834, only ₱105,995 (13.17%) had been utilized as of August 2025, indicating low budget utilization and potential inefficiencies in resource management.
Workshop Process and Participant Engagement
Participants were divided into three groups and instructed to follow a structured process:
- Problem Identification—defining the nonconformity, objective evidence, and unmet requirement
- Brainstorming – generating possible causes without judgment
- Fishbone Diagram – organizing causes into categories (Man, Method, Machine, Materials, Environment)
- Root Cause Analysis (5 Whys) – probing deeper into systemic issues
- Formulation of Actions—aligning responses with the CAM framework
Participants showed strong engagement throughout the activity. Initial reactions included recognition of familiar issues and concern over their implications. As discussions progressed, participants became more analytical, collaborative, and open in sharing insights.
Facilitators guided the groups to focus on system failures rather than individual accountability, which helped shift the mindset of participants toward a more objective and process-oriented approach.
Presentation, Synthesis, and Closing
Each group presented their analysis process, highlighting how they applied the tools and structured their approach. The session encouraged exchange of ideas and reinforced learning through peer interaction and facilitator feedback.
The training concluded with synthesis, evaluation, and closing remarks by CDA MIMAROPA, emphasizing the importance of:
- Systematic problem-solving
- Evidence-based analysis
- Continuous improvement
Overall Reflection
The training provided participants with practical knowledge and hands-on experience in applying RCA and CAM. More importantly, it fostered a shift in perspective—from viewing nonconformities as isolated issues to understanding them as indicators of system gaps.
By using actual regional nonconformities as workshop tools, the activity became highly relevant and impactful, enabling participants to directly relate the concepts to their work and reinforcing the importance of strengthening organizational systems and processes.
