The University of Southeastern Philippines (USeP) strengthened its implementation of Risk and Opportunity Management (ROM) through the Administrative Council Governance and Operations Forum (AdCo GO Forum): Re-orientation and Workshop on the Proper Accomplishment of the Risk and Opportunity Management (ROM) Forms, held on 03–04 August 2026 at the USeP Social Hall, Obrero Campus.
The two-day capability-building activity brought together members of the Administrative Council, Delivery Unit heads and their designated representatives, Document Control Custodians (DCCs), members of the ISO Risk and Opportunity Management Committee, and other concerned University personnel.
Through technical discussions, demonstrations, guided workshops, and the presentation and review of outputs, the Forum strengthened the participants’ understanding and application of the University’s ROM process in accordance with the revised Procedures Manual on Risk and Opportunity Management (PM-USeP-ROM).
The activity also provided an opportunity to address common findings and inconsistencies identified during the mock audit conducted on 15–16 July 2026. It formed part of the University’s preparations for the Stage 1 ISO 21001:2018 Educational Organizations Management System (EOMS) Certification Audit by TÜV Rheinland on 24–28 August 2026.
USeP President Dr. Bonifacio G. Gabales Jr. emphasized that ROM should not be viewed merely as an exercise in accomplishing forms or complying with audit requirements. Rather, it is an essential management and stewardship tool that supports informed decision-making, accountability, responsible resource utilization, continuity of operations, and improved service to the University’s stakeholders.
Highlighting the broader significance of strengthening institutional systems, President Gabales said, “When we strengthen our systems, we strengthen our people. When we strengthen our people, we strengthen our University. And when we strengthen our University, we transform communities.”
Vice President for Planning and Quality Assurance Dr. Tamara Cher R. Mercado discussed the rationale and objectives of the Forum and guided participants through the revised PM-USePROM, the prescribed ROM forms, SWOT Analysis, and key preparations for the ISO 21001:2018 audit.
Dr. Mercado reminded the participants that audit readiness is demonstrated not only through complete documentation but also through the actual implementation and effectiveness of the University’s systems.
“The audit is not only an inspection of documents. It is a verification that USeP’s educational management system is understood, implemented, effective, and continually improved,” she emphasized.
The technical sessions covered the major components of the University’s ROM process. Ms. Leah S. Serapio, Deputy Director of the Institutional Accreditation and Certification Assurance Unit, discussed the identification of interested parties and the determination of their relevant needs and expectations.
Quality Assurance Division Acting Director Mr. Marvin S. Lagmay facilitated the discussions on the Risk Assessment and Treatment Registry and the Opportunity Action Plan. These sessions guided participants in identifying and assessing risks, determining appropriate treatment measures, recognizing opportunities, and developing actions that support the objectives of their respective Delivery Units.
The workshops enabled participants to review, update, and refine their ROM documents in line with the revised procedures and Public Affairs Division Page 3 of 4 prescribed forms. They also addressed common documentation issues and worked toward greater consistency in identifying risks and opportunities, describing their potential effects, and establishing appropriate actions, responsibilities, timelines, and monitoring measures.
Secretary of the University and the Board of Regents Dr. Joan D. Gervacio encouraged the participants to translate what they had learned into clear, consistent, and meaningful action. She underscored that the Delivery Units’ ROM documents should reflect processes that are genuinely understood and implemented, rather than documents prepared solely for audit purposes.
The Forum was led by the Office of the President and the Office of the Vice President for Planning and Quality Assurance through the Quality Assurance Division, with the Office of the Secretary of the University and the University Records Office serving as the Event Secretariat.
As USeP advances toward ISO 21001:2018 certification, the AdCo GO Forum reaffirmed the University’s commitment to good governance, quality assurance, informed decision-making, and continuous improvement through proactive and effective Risk and Opportunity Management.
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