January 2021, MANILA, Philippines – LRT-1 private operator Light Rail Manila Corporation (LRMC) has received its recertification for ISO 9000:2015 (Quality Management System) and ISO 14001:2015 (Environmental Management System) after the successful audit conducted remotely last July 15-16, 2020 and onsite last November 18-19, 2020.
The new certificates will have a validity of three (3) years. LRMC first received its ISO certification in 2017. An ISO certification means that the company’s processes and systems meet international standards, ensuring both quality service for commuters and a first-rate work environment for employees.
Among the major positive observations commended in the audit include the management’s COVID-19 response (thermal scanning, UV C disinfection measure, contact tracing) on top of basic measures such as the use of minimum PPEs and physical distancing. Other safety measures that the audit team commended were the installation of additional beep card kiosks to improve queuing in all LRT-1 stations, installation of x-ray machines for additional security, encapsulation of asbestos roofing in the stations, and the implementation of specific controls to reduce risks on the tracks. The auditors also commended LRMC’s technology initiatives such as upgraded CCTVs, finger scan access control, electronic data management running on virtual server, and its enhanced Automated Train Operations Management System.
LRMC employees benefited from the company’s installation of bike racks and bike lanes, which allowed them to travel to work safely during the pandemic. The company’s environmental policies and projects with LGUs and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) were acclaimed in the audit as well.
“We are very happy and proud to be LRMC’s partner in their quest for quality excellence and ISO certification. This is a testament of their compliance with world-class standards. Indeed, the year 2020 was a tough and challenging year for each one of us. But we have proven that with hardwork, teamwork, and dynamic leadership, we can survive and even thrive in these difficult times,” said Mr. Tristan Arwen Loveres, Managing Director of TUV Rheinland Philippines, Inc.
“LRMC is very pleased and happy with the successful results of our ISO recertification in 2020. This is already the 4th year of maintaining this certification, and it affirms our commitment to efficiency, reliability, and customer satisfaction. LRMC was able to demonstrate the organization’s resilience despite the pandemic. The systems we have established continue to function and adapt to the challenging public health environment. Our thrust moving forward continues to focus on our riders’ safety with all the best-in-class protocols and measures as we get them where they need to go,” said LRMC President and CEO Juan Alfonso.
On top of all the health and safety measures LRMC has implemented in the LRT-1 due to COVID-19, the company continues to find new ways to keep passengers safe, such as investing in cutting-edge technology that could further reduce the spread of the virus.
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