SOCOTEC Certification: BukSU conforms to ISO-9001: 2015

MALAYBALAY CITY (OP-IPS) SOCOTEC Certification Philippines (SOCOTEC) has recognized the adherence of Bukidnon State University’s operations to international standards in the recent ISO 9001:2015 Recertification Audit of the university’s Quality Management System (QMS).
SOCOTEC auditors found no non-conformities in BukSU’s QMS based on the remote external recertification audit they conducted on the university on July 29-30, 2021.

Lead Auditor Mr. Ringo Pabua led the six-member audit team including technical experts Ms. Laureen Calmerin, Mr. Kim Pajares, Ms. Olive Eco, Mr. Joel Ravanilla, and Ms. Merian Domingo.

The auditors gave seven positive findings, six opportunities for improvement (OFI), and three observations. The no non-conformities findings indicate that BukSU’s processes adhere to all applicable statutory and regulatory requirements while exceeding expectations in the execution of its mandates.
The auditors noted that “despite the pandemic, the organization was able to maintain control and ensure that students received an appropriate education via a flexible learning system (online, modular, and radio-based instruction).”

“Top management’s leadership and commitment to the QMS are evident” and “customer and partner trust is evident,” the auditors stated in their report.
The auditors conducted thorough and rigorous examination of the university’s processes and quality goals in the following areas: top management, graduate programs, undergraduate programs, College of Law, Human Resource and Development, Student Services, Document Control, Curriculum Design and Development, Research, Extension and International Affairs, Admission and Registrar, Engineering and Facilities Maintenance, Procurement and Property Supply, Library, and Internal Audit.
ISO 9001 is the world’s leading quality management standard. BukSU received its ISO 9001:2008 Certification in 2017 with a one-year validity. In 2018, the university received its ISO 9001:2015 with a three-year validity. “Continuous improvement” is one of the primary requirements of ISO 9001. It refers to the continuous improvement of the QMS implemented by an ISO certified organization.

Once an organization is awarded an ISO certification, the QMS established must be maintained on a regular basis to ensure compliance and achievement of intended quality objectives. Hence, a certifying authority or registrar must conduct periodic checks within three years to ensure that the system is being maintained and changes in the organization are documented. (Contributed by Richard Ian Mark T. Necosia/OVPAPD)