DILIMAN, Quezon City—The Agricultural Training Institute’s (ATI) Central Office has retained certification for its Quality Management System (QMS) under the International Organization for Standardization (ISO 9001:2015) after a successful virtual audit last November 20, 2020 by TUV-SUD PSB Philippines Inc., a management systems solution provider.

The re-certification was issued to the Institute after it demonstrated continued implementation and compliance of its QMS to the international standards.

Aside from the Central Office, the ATI’s network of training centers nationwide also achieved re-certification after the audit activities in October and November.

ATI Northern Mindanao Center Director Maria Lydia Echavez lauded their workforce for the successful re-certification.

“Let this be a reminder and constant lesson for us to be proactive in terms of implementing quality standards and procedures,” Echavez said in a message posted on their official Facebook page.

The re-certification audit conducted across the ATI offices focused on the development and delivery of trainings; knowledge products and services; accreditation of extension service providers; scholarships; alliance-building; and national extension system planning, monitoring, and evaluation. It was aimed at measuring performance, evaluating process conformity, and recognizing processes that need improvement.

In 2014, the Central Office first attained its ISO certification for the 9001:2008 standards, while seven of its training centers were certified in 2016. In 2018, the entire ATI network adopted the 2015 standards and was found compliant to this latest version of ISO 9001 which focuses on adopting risk-based thinking for QMS requirements.

The certification is in line with Executive Order No. 605, Series of 2007 for Institutionalizing the Structure, Mechanisms and Standards to Implement the Government Quality Management Program, Amending for the Purpose Administrative Order No. 161, Series of 2006.