After an intensive six-day of certification audit covering the review and assessment of its Quality Management System (QMS), auditors from the TÜV Rheinland Philippines officially recommended the University of Southeastern Philippines (USeP) for ISO 9001:2015 standard recertification.
This was after TÜV Rheinland Team, led by Auditor Fronie Aligway, announced two (2) minor and zero (0) major non-compliance to the ISO standard. “In general, the TÜV Rheinland Team observed that the University established and maintains an effective system to ensure compliance with its policy and objectives. The audit team confirms in line with the audit targets that USeP’s QMS complies with, adequately implements, and implements the requirements of the Standard. The audit team thus recommends the awarding of USeP’s recertification,” Aligway wrapped up during the closing of the Audit Visit.
The announcement solicited applause and cheers from the attendees of the closing meeting.
ISO 9001 is based on the plan-do-check-act methodology and provides a process-oriented approach to documenting and reviewing the structure, responsibilities, and procedures required to achieve effective quality management in an organization. As for the USeP recertification, the scope of the application is for the provision of Higher and Advanced Education Programs including Research, Development and Extension and Support Services in the Main and External Campuses.
In response to the findings, USeP President, Dr. Bonifacio G. Gabales, Jr., was jubilant by the positive results of the audit and thanked the members of the community for their commitment and fruitful work in maintaining the University QMS.
“After a week of rigorous auditing, we finally reached the end of this external audit. And the administration acknowledges that this was no small feat but as one USeP, we are able to accomplish the process. Indeed, nothing is impossible when a group is united for a common goal. One USeP, one family, one community. On behalf of USeP, we express our commitment to ensuring that USeP and its campuses operate with the highest standards of quality and excellence. The ISO audit presents an opportunity to display our dedication to continuous improvement and adherence to internationally recognized benchmarks across our functions. We acknowledge the significance of this process not only in terms of compliance but also in enhancing our organizational efficiency and effectiveness,” President Gabales said.
“I also would like to express my gratitude to all members of the USeP community for your hard work and cooperation throughout the audit process. Your display of commitment to excellence is truly commendable. Let us continue to work together towards excellence; and pursue our shared vision to become a premier research University transforming communities in the ASEAN and beyond,” he added.
Moreover, President Gabales expressed his hopes that the University can achieve more certification in several other ISO categories and quality labels which form part of the USeP Strategic Plan.
The audit spanned from May 6 to May 11, 2024, with the USeP Tagum Mabini Campus- Mabini Unit as the first site to visit, followed by the Tagum Unit, then the Mintal Campus, and had officially wrapped up at the USeP Obrero Campus, the main campus. Comprising the TÜV Rheinland Team members were Auditors Madilyn Plaza, Jogina Mendiola, Rolando Remitar, and Philura Hipe.
