Committed to maintaining its international quality management standards, the Laguna State Polytechnic University (LSPU) underwent its second surveillance audit for its ISO 9001:2015 certification conducted by the TÜV Rheinland as external auditing agency, Oct. 11.

The hybrid opening program of the two-day auditing was conducted at the Function Hall of the College of Hospitality Management and Tourism (CHMT), LSPU-Sta. Cruz Campus (SCC) for onsite participants and via Zoom for process owners tuning in online from the remaining sites.

Mr. Lionell Aala, Lead Auditor from TÜV Rheinland, explained during the opening program that one of the objectives of the external auditing is to verify that the established management systems are implemented and in compliance to the requirements of the standards.

“We’re not here [just] to find non-conformity,” shared Mr. Aala, “but [also to] establish [your] conformities.” Joining Mr. Aala in the onsite opening program was Jogina Mendiola. Also serving as external auditors from the same agency were Mary Grace Balobalo and Roland Remitar.

Dr. Eden C. Callo, Vice President for Academic Affairs, expressed her confidence in the external auditors to lead the university in not only sustaining but also improving its quality management.

“With positive thoughts of achieving them, we hope that our auditors will guide is in the right direction,” Dr. Callo said.

Meanwhile, Dr. Mario R. Briones, University President, took the opportunity to remind the participants of the purpose and opportunity presented before the LSPU with the conduct of the surveillance audit. He explained that it is more than just an auditing but a testament of the university’s commitment, describing it as “a milestone that reminds us that we are on the right path.”

“We should not feel intimidated or anxious,” President Briones reminded the process owners. “This auditing serves as a mechanism [to show] that we continuously raise the bar for ourselves.”

President Briones added that the university welcomes the insights and recommendations of the external auditors as opportunities to grow as a learning institution.

For the opening program, Dr. Richard C. Ampo, Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) led the prayer, followed by the singing of the national anthem and LSPU hymn, welcome remarks by Dr. Callo, inspirational message by President Briones, introduction of the participants by Dr. Albert D. Yazon, Director for Quality Assurance (QA), and presentation of auditing scope and objectives by Mr. Aala. Ms. Cezanne D. Dimaculangan, faculty from CAS, served as the lady of the ceremony.

Interview among top management officials and onsite inspection among process owners followed after. Some of the questions asked among the top management officials included the changes in the organizational structure, facilities and infrastructures, learning modality, customer satisfaction, and graduate employability, among others.