THE University of San Agustin in Iloilo City has been granted the ISO 9001:2015 (Quality Management System) Certification by the AJA Registrars, Inc.
ISO is an independent, non-governmental international organization which ensures that products and services are safe, reliable and of good quality. For business, they are strategic tools that reduce costs by minimizing waste and errors and increasing productivity. They help companies to access new markets, level the playing field for developing countries and facilitate free and fair global trade.
ISO creates documents that provide requirements, specifications, guidelines or characteristics that can be used consistently to ensure that materials, prod
ucts, processes and services are fit for their purpose. International Standards make things work, covering almost every industry, from technology, to food safety, to agriculture, health care, and in our case, education. Ā
They give world-class specifications for products, services and systems, to ensure quality, safety and efficiency. They are instrumental in facilitating international trade. ISO International Standards impact everyone, everywhere.
The University of San Agustin underwent with the ISO 9001:2008 edition of the quality management system and was awarded with the certification last 2017. However, this edition was revised to ISO 9001:2015 effective September 2018. Ā
This sudden change in the requirements propelled the university to pursue and transition to the 2015 edition which meant from 8 clauses required by the 2008 edition, the organization now has to work on 10 clauses. All organizations that use ISO 9001 are encouraged to transition to ISO 9001:2015 as soon as possible and this includes not only organizations that are certified to ISO 9001:2008, but also any organizations involved in training or certifying others.
Last April 2, 2018, AJA Registrars, Inc. auditor Alan Carandang visited the university to assess the readiness for the transition to ISO 9001: 2015. It was that step that enabled the whole Augustinian Community to commit to the organization of processes, improvement of the efficiency of processes, and continually improve as an organization.
After the Stage 1 Audit, the action to transition to 2015 was underway with the internal audits handled by Augustinian personnel who are the members of the Internal Quality Audit Teams. Findings were assessed, evaluated, and action plan implemented. By the time external auditors arrived for the Stage 2 audit, the university was ready. Ā The audit was done by AJA Registrars Inc. auditors: Ella Ajero (Team Leader), Kim Winston Pajares, Ringo Pabua, and Zyra Tungol (Team Members ).
Last August 16-17, 2018, some observations and minor non-conformances were found to which the university responded by complying in the implementation of required processes to answer the non-conformances. Ā The AJA Registrars deemed it acceptable and by October 1, 2018, through email, they informed that the University of San Agustin has passed the audit and is now ISO 9001:2015 certified. Then on November 14, 2018, after the universityās Mass of the Holy Spirit the awarding on the Registration certificate was given by AJA representative Ā Ms. Laarni Narido and received by Rev. Fr. Frederick C. Comendador, OSA, University President; Rev Fr. Arnel A. Dizon, OSA,Vice President for Administration and Finance; Rev. Fr. Manuel M. Vergara, OSA, Vice President for Academic Affairs and Ms. Zesil Gay E. Gelle, ISO Officer. The awarding was witnessed by the whole Augustinian community ā Augustinian friars, administrators, academic and non-academic personnel, other stakeholders and the students of the University of San Agustin.
The work and support provided by every Augustinian in this organization paid off and with its continuous aspiration to provide quality education and service, the university is going to be ready for the annual surveillance of our processes. (USA PR)
