As part of the implementation of the CPSC's Staff Development Plan for FY 2023-2024, selected members of the CPSC faculty and local staff attended a three-day training program on ISO 9001:2015 (Quality Management System) and ISO 19011:2018 (Guidelines in Auditing Management Systems). Conducted from February 7 to 9, 2024 in CPSC Manila, Philippines, the program was facilitated by NQA Philippines, Inc., a global certification body of ISO (International Organization for Standardization).

The training program aimed to enrich the skills and knowledge of the CPSC staff members on the processes and practices of its own Quality Management System (QMS) and be informed about the latest ISO standards to maintain the highest quality in the work performance and procedures of CPSC. The lectures and workshops allowed the staff members to learn more about the purpose of audit, importance of risks and opportunities management, and structuring effective plans for continuous improvement in the work operations.

CPSC Director General Prof. G.L.D. Wickramasinghe delivers his opening remarks

NQA Trainer and Auditor Ms. Lorna Valdez presenting her lecture

CPSC Director General Prof. G.L.D. Wickramasinghe, in his opening address on the first day, highlighted the significance of ISO and conducting bi-annual internal quality audits in CPSC’s competency. Likewise, the sessions were facilitated by Ms. Lorna Valdez and Ms. Ces De La Torre, trainers and auditors for ISO under NQA.

CPSC Local Staff gather in groups for the workshop

The three-day training activity consisted of lectures about ISO 9001:2015 Awareness and ISO 19011:2018 Guidelines in Auditing Management Systems. Through the lectures, Ms. Valdez shared her expertise on the ins and outs of conducting audits while also conforming to the quality management systems. There were also workshops that covered the following: Identifying Audit Program Risks, Creating a Process Audit Checklist and an Audit Program; and Declaring a Non-Conformity Findings based on the FLORAS Method, which were done in group presentations.

ODG Assistant Charina Lansangan (left) and Professional Intern Azam Khalid (right) during group presentations

Furthermore, the participating staff members completed the training through a written examination that was set to determine the eligibility of the staff to audit procedures within the organization.