The Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) has successfully completed its First Surveillance Audit for the fourth renewal of its ISO 9001:2015 Certification for its established Quality Management System (QMS). The audit aimed to verify the QMS’s conformity with established audit criteria and sampling procedures. It also sought to determine the system’s ability to ensure compliance with applicable legal, regulatory, and contractual requirements, as well as to evaluate its effectiveness in achieving the organization’s stated objectives.
The surveillance audit covered seven (7) sites, the CDA Head Office and six (6) Regional Extension Offices in Regions I, IV-A, V, VI, X, and XII. The assessment was carried out by the Certifying Body, TÜV Rheinland Philippines, Inc., on December 2 and 5, 2025 with an audit team composed of seven (7) members led by Ms. Michelle Pestanas.
The audit reviewed all areas within the scope of CDA’s certification, covering Cooperative Registration and Amendment, Supervision and Examination, Development Support and Assistance, and Research, Information, and Training processes. It also reviewed management direction and organizational context, now incorporating climate change considerations under the recent ISO 9001 amendment, as well as risks and opportunities, the needs and expectations of interested parties, changes and improvements, quality policy and objectives, resource management, employee training, quality performance, customer satisfaction and complaints, internal quality audit, and management review.
During the Opening Meeting, Deputy Administrator Ray R. Elevazo of the Institutional Development Service affirmed CDA’s full readiness for the evaluation, emphasizing that all previously identified issues—whether minor or major—had been resolved through internal audits. He noted that the Agency remained prepared to receive and act upon any findings or recommendations resulting from the surveillance audit.
At the time of the Closing Meeting, Ms. Pestanas reported several positive observations and confirmed that no minor or major nonconformities were found. Although a few opportunities for improvement were noted, the auditors concluded that CDA has established and continues to maintain an effective QMS consistent with its quality policy and organizational objectives. In view of these results, the audit team recommended the continued maintenance of the Agency’s ISO 9001:2015 certification. OIC Administrator Atty. Ma. Lourdes Pacao expressed pride and appreciation for the collective efforts of CDA personnel, stating that the audit results reflect the Agency’s steadfast commitment to quality service, operational excellence, and continuous improvement.
The successful completion of the First Surveillance Audit reaffirms CDA’s dedication to sustaining a robust and globally aligned QMS. The second surveillance audit is scheduled to commence no later than September 30, 2026.
