By Chessa Pae Faustino, StratCom Correspondent

The Mariano Marcos State University wrapped up its first Quality Management System (QMS) Surveillance Audit held on February 7-8, 2024.

The QMS Surveillance Audit ensures that the certified management system continues to fulfill requirements between recertification audits and complies with its International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 9001:2015 certification requirements.

Four auditors from SOCOTEC Certification Philippines Inc. were present during the audit.

MMSU President Shirley C. Agrupis highlighted the university’s commitment to strengthening its quality management system. “As a continually improving organization, we find opportunities in improving our processes and systems, dutifully metamorphosing every aspect of our beloved MMSU towards the pursuit of quality management and client satisfaction,” she added.

The College of Medicine (COM), College of Aquatic Sciences and Applied Technology (CASAT), College of Industrial Technology (CIT), and the Graduate School hurdled the instruction, academic, and curriculum development review. 

Meanwhile, the administrative units of the university, including the Financial Management Services (Accounting Office, Budget Office, and Cashier’s Office), the Health and Wellness Services (Health and Wellness Services and University Psychological Testing Center), the Office of the Vice President for Planning and Development (International Accreditation and Physical Planning and Development Office), the Internal Audit Services, and the Records Office, also underwent the surveillance audit.

Dr. Virgilio Julius Manzano Jr., Vice President for Planning and Strategic Foresight, acknowledged the support of the auditors and MMSU officials in maintaining quality and client satisfaction. 

“We value the expertise of our auditors and the dedication of our university committee not just to meet but to exceed the quality standards, reinforcing our commitment to providing exceptional education and service. So, this audit is not just a measure of where we stand, but we step forward in our vision to maintain and elevate MMSU’s quality and standards,” he added.

In June 2023, MMSU passed the recertification audit conducted by the SOCOTEC Certification Philippines, Inc. The ISO certificate covered the provision of advanced, professional, and higher education, research, extension, and support services in Batac, Laoag, and Currimao campuses.(MKA_StratCom)