PAMPANGA – The Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) convened the Assessment Conference of Internal Quality Audit (IQA) Auditors for FY 2026, at the Pampanga State Agricultural University. The three-day conference aimed to evaluate and further strengthen the competence, consistency, and overall effectiveness of CDA’s IQA auditors, reinforcing the Authority’s commitment to governance excellence and sustained organizational improvement. The activity brought together IQA auditors from the Head Office and Regional Extension Offices (REOs) through a hybrid setup, ensuring broad and inclusive participation nationwide.
The conference formally opened with a message from the Administrator, Dr. Emmanuel Santiaguel, who underscored the activity as a key component of CDA’s pursuit of organizational excellence under the Bagong Pilipinas agenda. He emphasized that auditors are not only responsible for identifying gaps but also for ensuring that these are effectively addressed. Highlighting the importance of robust audit practices and sound root cause analysis, he reaffirmed their role as “guardians of the Quality Management System (QMS)” in promoting transparency, accountability, and continuous improvement.
A refresher session on ISO 19011:2018 or the Guidelines for Auditing QMS followed and was facilitated by Management System Consultant and Auditor Ms. Mary Glory Caunin from Qualifirst Management Consultancy Services. The session revisited key audit concepts, including the seven principles of auditing, the requirements of ISO 9001:2015, and the proper formulation of nonconformity statements, among other essential practices.
Subsequently, Assistant Lead Auditor Chief Angelo S. Bugarin presented the agency’s IQA procedures, outlining standardized practices, key roles, and the audit process flow. He also facilitated a review of current implementation, identifying existing gaps and recommending necessary improvements. This was followed by technical presentations on audit checklists for Supervision and Examination processes by Mr. Oroseo R. Tuy II, REO V Audit Team Leader, and for Information and Communications Technology (ICT) processes by Ms. Jonilyn D. Vestidas, REO VI Audit Team Leader.
On the second day, participants underwent a focused training on Root Cause Analysis (RCA) and Corrective Action Management (CAM), again facilitated by Ms. Caunin. The session covered requirements under ISO 9001:2015, problem identification techniques, RCA methodologies, and the development and verification of corrective actions. The training culminated in a hands-on workshop where participants applied cause-and-effect diagrams and the 5 Whys technique. They also engaged in structured exercises using sample nonconformities and opportunities for improvement statements to develop appropriate corrective actions, enhancing their capability to review submitted RCA and action plans effectively.
On the final day, IQA Lead Auditor Chief Jo Ann C. Gamboa presented a comprehensive analysis of IQA results over the years. She highlighted comparative audit findings from 2017 to 2025, noting a general decline in nonconformities, which suggests improved compliance and more effective implementation of corrective actions. Her presentation further emphasized that while significant compliance gaps have been addressed, audit results continue to reveal opportunities for process enhancement and the strengthening of systems and procedures.
During the closing ceremonies, GASS Deputy Administrator Atty. Mona Liza Arriba-Juarez conveyed her appreciation to the participants, describing the auditors as “champions of efficiency” and “active partners in delivering reliable and quality public service.” Reinforcing the Administrator’s message, she stressed that auditors are not merely enforcers but key drivers of organizational improvement. She encouraged participants to apply the knowledge gained and continue contributing to the advancement of the Authority.
Overall, the Assessment Conference of IQA Auditors for FY 2026 served as a strategic platform for reinforcing standards, aligning audit practices, and enhancing the capabilities of CDA’s audit workforce—underscoring the Authority’s sustained commitment to governance excellence and quality public service.
