Cebu Normal University (CNU) passes ISO 9001:2015 recertification by GCL International with zero nonconformities (NCs) in a remote audit held on January 22, 2021.
In an effort to prove observance of international quality standards, the University submitted itself for a reaccreditation against ISO 9001:2015 – an internationally recognized standard for quality management systems set by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO).
GCL International, a certifying body based in the United Kingdom which provides accredited certification across five continents, conducted the recertification remotely on January 22, 2021.
During the audit, GCL International found no NCs in the processes submitted by the University for recertification.
An NC is a failure of the organization, with respect to its process, to meet one or more of the existing requirements of ISO 9001. An NC can arise in situations as: failure of quality control; declared processes not being implemented or followed properly by personnel; non-adherence to ISO standard, regulatory, and statutory requirements; and continued customer dissatisfaction that is not addressed by the organization.
Mrs. Ma. Mayla Lapa, CNU Presidential Assistant for Quality Assurance, said, “Having zero NC is not a usual occurrence especially with re-certification.”
Dr. Filomena Dayagbil, Officer-in-charge to the Office of the University President, said “Our ISO 9001:2015 recertification is an imprimatur of quality.”
“Our report on zero nonconformities is a manifestation of our commitment to adhere to standards of quality despite the challenges of this pandemic.” Dayagbil added.
The recertification, done in the middle of a pandemic that has created repercussions in all aspects of human activity including effective delivery of quality service, focused on the survival of the University and its certified processes during the pandemic.
“As per assessment of the list of evidences [GCL International required], the certifying body is interested in how the University transitioned its processes from traditional service delivery in response to the health crisis, and how the risks relative to this transition were anticipated and controlled so that customer service satisfaction will still be sustained.” Lapa said.
“Internal and external communication mechanisms were also evaluated to reflect the concerted response of the organization to the crisis situation,” Lapa added.
Lapa attributed the success of the recertification to the commitment and commendable effort of all concerned offices whose processes were subjected in the audit.
Dayagbil also commended the University stakeholders’ sense of community in the pursuit of quality.
“I am grateful to the CNU Community since this ISO recertification is a team effort. I am proud of our administrators, faculty, support staff and students for working together and choosing the path that moves the University forward.” Dayagbil said.
“We will continue to do our best and we hope that our efforts significantly contribute to building a stronger nation through quality higher education.” Dayagbil added as the University’s way forward.
The University had its first ISO accreditation visit in 2017 and was issued its first ISO certification by Global Certification Philippines in 2018. -KFR
