The University of Santo Tomas (UST) has successfully passed its 3rd Cycle, 2nd ISO 9001:2015 Repeat/Recertification Audits conducted by TÜV SÜD PSB Philippines, Inc. last April 25-27, 2018. It was officially announced by the lead auditor, Engr. Roy Ramos, together with his co-auditor Mr. Xavier Lance Dy that UST has satisfied the requirements of the ISO 9001:2015 standard without incurring any Non-Conformities (N), given a total of 20 audit findings with audit finding classifications such as 16 Minor Non-Conformities (MiN) and 4 Opportunities for Improvement (I) during the Closing Meeting in its last day of audit.
Ramos informed the concerned academic officials, administrators, and Quality Management Representatives (QMRs) about the intended corrective actions for MiN to be submitted completely with responsible person/department, due date/timeline of implementation as required by their standard template within 5 business days prior to the decision on Certificate issue/renewal/maintenance.
The challenge given by Ramos is to continue to strengthen the monitoring of the quality objectives (Sub-clause 6.2) and the externally provided processes, products and services (Sub-clause 8.4) to be part of the Management Review (Sub-clause 9.3).
The Top Management Meeting was well-attended by Rev. Fr. Herminio V. Dagohoy, O.P., PhD, Rector, Rev. Fr. Richard G. Ang, O.P., PhD, Vice-Rector, Rev. Fr. Rolando M. Castro, O.P., SThL, Vice-Rector for Finance, Rev. Fr. Pablo T. Tiong, O.P., Vice-Rector for Religious Affairs, Rev. Fr. Jesus M. Miranda, O.P., PhD, Secretary General, Prof. Cheryl R. Peralta, DrPH, Vice-Rector for Academic Affairs, Prof. Maribel G. Nonato, PhD, Vice Rector for Research & Innovation, Atty. Jacqueline O. Lopez-Kaw, LI.M., HRD Director, Assoc. Prof. Ma. Socorro S. Guan Hing, RN, DNM, Student Affairs Director, Assoc. Prof. Joehanna K. Ngo, PIE, ASEAN Eng, Quality Management Office (QMO) Director, Engr. Charlie Marquez, PIE, OPD Director, Assoc. Prof. Giovanna F. Fontanilla, MA, Public Affairs Director, and Engr. Nestor R. Ong, PIE, ASEAN Eng, QMO Assistant Director. This only shows how strong the leadership and commitment (Sub-clause 5.1) of the University’s top level management when it comes to the effectiveness of the University’s QMS and in driving continual improvement and innovation and developing leadership in their managers.
The following academic units (14) and supports units (19) were audited College of Education, Education High School, Junior High School, Senior High School, College of Commerce and Business Administration, College of Fine Arts and Design, College of Tourism and Hospitality Management, Faculty of Engineering, College of Nursing, College of Science, Faculty of Arts and Letters, College of Accountancy, College of Rehabilitation Sciences, Graduate School, Library, Human Resource Department, Facilities and Management Office (FMO), Health Services, Guidance and Counselling, Office of Community Development, Office of Academic Affairs, Office of Student Affairs, Office of the Registrar, Admission, Office for Alumni Relations, Research Cluster for Cultural, Educational and Social Issues (RCCESI), Research Cluster for Natural and Applied Sciences (RCNAS), Office of Faculty Evaluation and Development, Santo Tomas e-Service Providers (STePS), Office of Public Affairs, Purchasing, Educational Technology, and Quality Management Office (QMO). All other academic units and supports units were on standby mode for any possible trailing.
The Quality Management Office, the office which assumes a leadership role in professionalizing the quality management operations of the University, presented evidence on the follow-up/actions taken on previous audit findings, Management Review, Quality Policy, Quality Objectives, Scope and Processes of QMS, Roles, Responsibilities and Authorities, Customer Focus, Communication, Actions to Risks and Opportunities, Planning and Control of Changes, Organizational Knowledge, Monitoring, measurement, analysis and evaluation, Control of Documented Information/Records Management, and Internal Audit, Nonconformity and Corrective Action for which the audit took eight hours within the two days.
The UST Quality Management System (QMS) has been ISO 9001 Certified since 2012. Presently, the certification is under the transition from ISO 9001:2008 standard to ISO 9001:2015 standard. The scope of audit covers design, development and provision of secondary and higher education. UST’s commitment to quality is evidenced in our achievement of the ISO 9001:2015 certification.
