VIRAC, Catanduanes, April 20, (PIA)- To ramp up its efforts for ISO certification, Catanduanes State University (CSU) President created an ISO Task Force.
The Task Force which was created through an office order has the primary goal making CSU ISO 9001:2008 certified this year.
The Committee headed by Vice-President for Administrative and Financial Affairs Ma. Theresa E. Sarmiento designated as Quality Management Representative, is composed of other CSU officials, as well as teaching and non-teaching personnel.
As stated in the order, the committee has the overall responsibility for the “establishment, implementation and maintenance of the CSU Quality Management System and the subsequent submission of the University for ISO certification.”
The CSU began its preparations for ISO certification with the launching of an ISO Awareness Seminar last December 12-13, 2014 at the CSU Gymnasium and later on at the Provincial Capitol Dome. Ms. Helen Alian Evalle of the HAE Consultancy and Training Services served as the seminar’s resource person.
ISO 9001: 2008 belongs to the family of ISO 9000, which addresses various aspects of quality management. Standards under this family provide guidance and tools for companies and organizations who want to ensure that their products and services consistently meet their clients’ requirements, and that quality is consistently improved.
The International Organization for Standardization, a worldwide federation of national standards bodies, develops and publishes these standards. According to the Organization, the ISO 9001:2008 is implemented by over one million companies and organizations over 170 countries. Because ISO 9001:2008 helps ensure that customers get consistent, good quality products and services, it brings many benefits to companies and organizations.
Given the university’s collective desire for quality and excellence, and also in adherence to national legal instruments such as Administrative Order No. 161 titled “Institutionalizing Quality Management System in Government that was later amended by Executive Order No. 605 directing the Philippine government’s executive branch including SUCs to be ISO 9001:2008 certified, the CSU began its earnest preparation in December 2014 in order to become ISO 9001:2008 certified this year.
CSU President Dr. Minerva I. Morales expressed her optimism in being able to secure the coveted ISO certification. “We are at a very opportune time to apply for this certification. After achieving university status in 2012, we are the sole premier Higher Education Institution in our island province that has a strong reputation for academic excellence. Now, we are presented with another opportunity to raise the bar of excellence higher for the benefit of our students and the larger community that we serve. I believe that we are ready (for ISO),” stated Dr. Morales.
The CSU foresees a very busy schedule ahead given the numerous requirements and the tedious process required for ISO certification. However, its workforce is committed to attain ISO-certified status, which will be a first for an academic institution in the province.
Although it is a common misconception, ISO is not used to refer to the International Organization for Standardization but rather, because the organization will have different acronyms in different languages (for instance, IOS in English, OIN in French for Organisation internationale de normalization), its founders decided to adopt the Greek word “isos” meaning equal. (MAL/EAB/DDBS-CSU/PIA5/Catanduanes)