MANILA – The Bureau of Corrections (Bucor) on Friday said third party auditors have recommended that it retains its International Organization for Standardization (ISO) certification due to “big improvements” in handling its correctional facilities.
In a statement, BuCor Director General Gregorio Pio Catapang Jr. said the achievement of certification maintenance marks a “proactive step” in ensuring excellent standards in the country's correctional facilities.
The BuCor had its first ISO certification in 2018.
This year, third party auditors assessed three critical facilities: Correctional Institution for Women in Mandaluyong City on Dec. 1, Sablayan Prison and Penal Farm in Occidental Mindoro on Dec 4 and 5, and New Bilibid Prison in Muntinlupa City on Dec. 6 and 7.
The auditors also valuated the BuCor’s top management, records management, financial oversight, and legal services to determine its ability and effectiveness to meet its objectives in order to maintain its ISO certification.
According to the BuCor, findings presented by the third party auditors showed only eight Minor Non-Conformities (NC) and four Opportunities for Improvement (OFI).
BuCor said it was a “significant improvement” compared to the 29 findings last year.
The Percentage Improvement Calculation showed Major NC, 100 percent; Minor NC, 60 percent; and OFI, 50 percent for a weighted average of 59 percent.
Catapang said the marked improvement underscores the bureau's commitment to achieve and maintain high standards of quality and compliance, and motivates management to do better next year.
“We will strive for excellence and improve where it is needed to make the BuCor relevant, sustainable and respected,” Catapang said. (Benjamin Pulta/PNA)
