TAGBILARAN CITY --The Agricultural Training Institute-Region 7 started its journey towards the accreditation into International standard last October 18-20, 2017 through the Orientation on ISO 9001:2015 cum Initial Gap Assessment of ATI-Regional Training Center 7 at the ATI-7 Training Complex, Cabawan District, this city.

Mr. Alan Fabella, external auditor of ATI and resource person during the said activity, explained that the ISO 9001: 2015, is the international standard with specific requisites leading to a quality management system (QMS). This applies to several institutions, regardless of the size or industry. It is a strategic decision for an organization to assist in the improvement of its overall performance and give a sound basis for sustainable development initiatives.

Fabella explained further to the ATI-7 employees that with the ISO, the institute should always aim for consistent delivery of quality service. He also conducted the initial assessment of the standards followed by the center and explained the variance that needs to be fulfilled.

Dr. Luz Taposok, ATI Director who graced the activity urged the ATI-7 employees to improve their delivery of services to the rural folks. She expressed her hopes and looks forward that ATI-7 can make it so that “by the end of 2018, all of the ATI regional centers will be ISO accredited.

Meanwhile, Ms. Athena Baguisi, IQA Team Leader narrated to the participants how ATI started its journey to ISO. She also explained the importance of Internal Quality Audit (IQA) and emphasized how it is the vanguards of ISO implementation. Dr. Carolyn May O. Daquio, Center Director of ATI-Region 7 delivered the rationale of the activity.