USM Maintains ISO 9001:2015 Certification

The University of Southern Mindanao (USM) once again earned its certification for International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 9001:2015 after the second surveillance audit held on April 10-11, 2024.

Mr. Ramoncito Puyat along with Ms. Jogina Mendiola, and Ms. Jean Laguitao from TÜV Rheinland Philippines, Inc. conducted the two-day audit.

The recent audit resulted in three noted Best Practices, 14 Opportunity for Improvement (OFI), and one Minor Non-Conformity. The audit team commended the preparedness, professionalism, and dedication of USM’s ISO Core Team, unit heads, and personnel throughout the process.

The primary objective of the surveillance audit is to evaluate the University’s adherence to the ISO 9001:2015 standards. It also aims to assess the effectiveness of its Quality Management System (QMS) implementation, as well as to identify opportunities for improvement.

USM earned its ISO 9001:2015 recertification in 2020, and passed its 1st surveillance audit on February 23, 2024. Since then, the University has continuously strengthened its quality assurance mechanisms, and aligned its academic and administrative systems with internationally recognized standards.

USM President Dr. Jonald L. Pimentel, expressed his appreciation to the USM Community. He shared that the audit was not merely a compliance exercise, but an opportunity for growth. “This audit shows us where we are doing well and where we can still grow. That is the heart of quality management: to always look inward, to listen, to adjust, and to keep moving forward,” he said. With this mindset, the University of Southern Mindanao continues to move forward, grounded in purpose, driven by improvement, and united in its pursuit of quality.

USM’s ISO processes and other related activities are spearheaded by the University Quality Assurance Office (UQAO) headed by its Director, Dr. Lawrence Anthony U. Dollente.