The Tarlac State University administration has its eyes fixed on maintaining institutional quality assurance as the university passed another Quality Management System (ISO 9001:2015) audit yesterday, October 7.
The two-day virtual surveillance audit was led by TSU President Dr. Arnold E. Velasco, Vice President for Planning and Quality Assurance Dr. Niño B. Corpuz, and QMS Unit Head Engr. Maricar Banting, with the support of the other vice presidents, college deans, directors, and unit heads.
Meanwhile, certifying body W3 Solutionz was represented by Mr. Shahid Mushtaq, who identified the university's leadership and commitment as its strengths. According to him, the top management's continued support of the quest for improvements in quality management, despite the change in administration, is commendable.
As a testament to the university's strong leadership, President Velasco expressed his commitment during the closing meeting urging the TSU community to continue promoting the culture of quality.
"As we close this audit, I know this would benefit the university's continual quest for improvement, delivery of quality services, and compliance with applicable statutory and regulatory requirements," he said.
"We at Tarlac State University fervently commit with utmost sincerity to uphold all the suggestions and recommendations [handed to] us. We promise to continue the processes and activities that we do best and address our shortcomings," he added.
The university has undergone virtual ISO audits since the COVID-19 pandemic outbreak in 2020. For 2023, the certifying body informed the university that in-person audits will be re-implemented.
This is the second audit cycle of TSU focused on ISO 9001:2015 or QMS -- the most appropriate and available standard for the academe, which still includes standards on environment, health, and safety.
From 2016 to 2021, the university maintained three ISO certifications, ISO 9001:2015 (Quality Management System); ISO 14001:2015 (Environment Management System); and OHSAS 18001: 2007 (Occupational Health and Safety Assessment Series). TSU is the first university in the country to achieve the Integrated Management System Certification awarded by the United States Accreditation Services.
