UPD QAO leads ISO 21001:2018 project implementation with successful Awareness Training
  • Written by: CJ Arevalo
  • Photo/Video by: Arlyh Hirao & Michael Baguisa, Marikit Mabalay

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ISO Awareness Training Oct 7-9, 2024
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The 3-day ISO Awareness Training drew 190 participants from across UPD units, spread over three batches.

Following the successful ISO Gap Analysis, the UPD Quality Assurance Office together with Macro Vision Consultancy spearheaded the three-day ISO Awareness Training last October 7-9, 2024 at the E.T. Virata Hall, Institute for Small-Scale Industries (ISSI).

In order to lead and manage transformative changes in educational settings by integrating ISO 21001 standards into UPD’s daily operations aiming for the excellence of the quality of education, the ISO Awareness Training gathered 190 participants composed of heads of units and ISO facilitators (ARTA focal persons and college QA officers). Engr. Margel Jajurie, Macro Vision Consultancy President, served as ISO Awareness Training resource speaker.

With the said training, the participants were taught to set-up and maintain an ISO 21001:2018 educational organizations management systems; understand applicable clauses and guide references in complying with the requirements of the standard; and evaluate how the requirements of ISO 21001:2018 can be aligned and integrated into the University’s existing mechanisms.

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Chancellor Edgardo Carlo L. Vistan in his Opening Message during the ISO Awareness Training. With Chancellor Vistan’s strategic direction, UPD aims to mainstream a culture of excellence by being ISO 21001:2018 Educational Organization Management Systems (EOMS) certified by the end of 2025.

“At the core of every journey is people. Each of you—our academic and administrative leaders, ISO facilitators, and every member of the UP Diliman community—plays a critical role in shaping the culture of excellence, integrity, and continuous improvement within our community. This journey requires more than just compliance. It requires a collective effort from each of you, our staff, and our leaders,” UP Diliman Chancellor Edgardo Carlo L. Vistan addressed participants in an Opening Message. 

“The ISO 21001:2018 initiative represents our collective commitment to addressing these educational challenges and enhancing our educational management systems. Aligning with the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) through this framework does not mean starting from scratch nor disregarding the hard work that has shaped our academic and operational history. Our existing systems are functional and established; however, we are dedicated to continuous improvement, ensuring that we provide the very best for our learners—for every iskolar ng bayan,” Chancellor Vistan further shared in his message. 

Vice-Chancellor for Administration and Committee on Anti-Red Tape Chair Adeline A. Pacia also gave her message of support in the ISO Project highlighting UP Diliman’s Silver Award in the 2022 Anti-Red Tape Act (ARTA) Report Card Survey (RCS), recognizing the university’s efforts in streamlining processes.  

“This award [UP Diliman’s Silver Award] reflects our commitment to efficiency and service quality. This accomplishment is not only a testament to the dedication of our teams but also aligns with UP Diliman’s goals to pursue institutional quality assurance. Both initiatives, ARTA and ISO 21001:2018, emphasize transparency, stakeholder satisfaction, and continuous process improvement. Your participation in this ISO initiative today will further support these gains,” Vice-Chancellor Adeline Pacia said in her message to the UP Diliman community.

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Vice-Chancellor for Administration and Committee on Anti-Red Tape Chair Adeline A. Pacia during her Special Message in the ISO Awareness Training.

According to Vice-Chancellor Pacia, adopting ISO’s systematic framework can strengthen internal processes, make data-driven decisions, and ensure that the needs of UP Diliman’s learners, faculty, and client-stakeholders are met with the highest standards. 

“Through this synergy, we are not just working towards certification but reinforcing a culture of excellence that will sustain and even surpass our current achievements. With the tools and insights you gain today, I am confident we will continue to lead in delivering quality education and services, and in setting benchmarks for public service efficiency,” Vice-Chancellor Pacia said in closing. 

Prior to the start of the lecture proper, University Extension Specialist III Kelvin Mendoza discussed the ISO 21001:2018 Project Primer, providing context to the training program. Anchoring on UPD’s vision set last year to mainstream a culture of excellence in our internal processes, it is crucial for UP Diliman to operate effectively, ensuring excellent outcomes for all stakeholders through different quality assurance programs. This includes the preparation of academic and administrative units to meet the requirements of the ISO 21001:2018 Educational Organizations Management System standards for the next twelve months, targeting to be ISO-certified by Quarter 4 of 2025.

 
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Fostering teamwork and knowledge sharing through group sessions at the ISO workshop.

The ISO Awareness Training is composed of three batches of participants, who undergo lectures and workshops. During the workshop, participants from administrative and academic units shared their idea of UP quality education. 

“Ang UP Quality Education ay humuhubog ng makabuluhan, makatao, maka-Pilipino at matalas na mamamayang may dangal, dunong at husay sa pagpapaunlad ng bayan, taumbayan, kalikasan at kinabukasan,” a group from the academic unit shared.

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“Academic excellence, conducive and safe learning environment, inclusivity, holistic programs in terms of academic, research and extension program, equal access to all, operational excellence in terms of administrative support, and access to various resources,” a group from the administrative unit shared these input indicators. They also added that with UP Quality Education, we create future leaders and public servants, professionals adhering to ethical standards, contributing to policy development that improves lives of the Filipino people.

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Pre-test and post-test were administered by the Macro Vision Consultancy. The Awareness Training capped off with the announcement on the upcoming Risk Management Training to be held at Balay Kalinaw on October 14-16.

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Macro Vision Consultancy President and Lead Consultant Engr. Margel Jajurie serves as the training resource speaker for the 3-day ISO Awareness Training.
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