By Daniel P. Tapaoan, Jr. 

Sustaining its commitment to international quality standards, the Mariano Marcos State University remains compliant to ISO 9001:2015, having passed the recertification audit conducted by the SOCOTEC Certification Philippines, Inc.

Issued on June 16, 2023, the MMSU’s ISO certificate covers the provision of advanced, professional and higher education, research, extension and support services in Batac, Laoag, and Currimao campuses.

The ISO certificate is valid until December 18, 2025, subject to adherence to the agreed ongoing program, successful endorsement of certification following a yearly audit and compliance with ISO 9001:2015 terms and conditions.

Delighted with the news, MMSU President Shirley C. Agrupis thanked the university top management and process owners for their hardwork and commitment to sustain quality standards in their units. 

She further urged the MMSU constituents to "continue what we are doing well, identify ways on how to address our shortcomings, and strive for continual improvement."

In the second audit cycle held in April this year, the auditing body found that MMSU yielded 14 positive findings, and no major non-conformities. Prior to its recommendation for recertification, MMSU submitted its corrective action plans for its minor nonconformities.

The Extension Directorate is the first unit in the university that got certified with ISO 9001:2015 in 2018. Then, the MMSU Batac, Laoag, and Currimao campuses obtained the same certification in 2020. 

The QMS is one of the mandates of the government through Executive Order 605, s. 2017, which seeks to promote and enhance public sector performance through the adoption of international standards. (HLY/JVBT, StratCom)