By Mariamme D. Jadloc

(DEC. 17)—Some 400 UP Diliman (UPD) personnel representing 23 offices took part in the orientation workshop on Training on Effective Quality Management System (TEQMS) early this month at the Office of the University Registrar Conference Room.

Organized by the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Administration through the Human Resources Development Office, the training was in compliance with the 2014 General Appropriations Act (GAA)/ 2014 Performance Informed Budget (PIB) set by the Department of Budget and Management where departments must first develop awareness on ISO 9001: 2008 QMS of management and employees. This awareness would hopefully lead UPD in establishing an ISO 9001:2008-aligned quality management system in the university.

Participants belonging to the same unit were grouped together and then further grouped with units that have similar functions as theirs. They had group works testing their team work, cooperation and abilities to lead and/or follow efficiently and effectively, among others.

Discussed at the orientation were the structure of ISO 9000-2008 and its particular requirements. It also offered practical advice on how to implement a process-based quality management system (QMS). The topics discussed were: The Quality Management System principles; structure of the ISO 9000 series of standards; requirements of ISO 9001; procedures and cost requirements for ISO 9001 implementation; and methodology on developing a framework for quality management system.

Vice Chancellor for Administration Virginia C. Yap said UPD does not only look at the orientation as merely in compliance to the DBM directive, but more importantly it is the university’s way of further improving its service to the public. Invited as resource person was former College of Home Economics professor Dr. Miflora M. Gatchalian.