The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) has successfully passed the Stage 1 audit for ISO 45001:2018, the international standard for Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems (OHSMS), conducted by DQS Certification Phils., Inc. on October 20.
SBMA Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliño commended the OHSMS Team, led by Dr. Solomon Jacalne, Manager of the Public Health and Safety Department (PHSD), for developing the OHSMS framework for the agency.
“The SBMA is already certified under ISO 9001 for Quality Management and ISO 14001 for Environmental Management. As we continue to improve our services for stakeholders, we are now working toward ISO 45001 compliance to strengthen our operations further,” Aliño said.
The ISO 45001 certification aligns with Republic Act 11058, which enforces compliance with occupational safety and health standards, and Joint Memorandum Circular No. 1, s. 2020, establishing OSH standards for the public sector.
According to Dr. Jacalne, the ISO 45001 framework helps prevent work-related injuries and illnesses by identifying and minimizing risks and promoting safe, healthy workplaces. “It aims to reduce workplace risks and improve employee safety through proactive health and safety measures,” he said.
During the Stage 1 audit, SBMA received a positive evaluation from DQS Certification Phils., Inc., with only a few opportunities for improvement noted. DQS, a subsidiary of DQS Group Germany, has been certifying SBMA’s ISO compliance since 2018.
At the recent “Talakayan sa Freeport” media forum, Fire Chief Ranny Magno, PHSD Medical Services Division Chief Dr. Arlene Cesa, and Law Enforcement Department Manager Col. Alfredo Agustin Jr. discussed the importance of safety and preparedness in daily operations.
“When we talk about safety, it’s a way of life. Practicing it develops a culture of excellence among the workforce,” Magno said. Cesa added, “Preparedness should be normalized — not just for calamities, but in our daily lives and within our families.”
The SBMA OHSMS Team is now preparing for the Stage 2 face-to-face audit scheduled for November.
