Strengthening its pursuit of institutional excellence and a culture of continuous improvement, the Southern Philippines Agri-Business, Marine and Aquatic School of Technology (SPAMAST) officially commenced its ISO 9001:2015 Surveillance Survey Visit on August 17, 2026. The two-day assessment serves as a significant opportunity for the institution to demonstrate the sustained effectiveness of its Quality Management System (QMS), validate established processes, and identify opportunities to further enhance the quality of its services and operations in accordance with international standards.

The two-day surveillance visit, conducted by SOCOTEC Certification International, is designed to assess the continued effectiveness, implementation, maintenance, and improvement of SPAMAST’s Quality Management System (QMS) in accordance with the requirements of ISO 9001:2015.

The surveillance audit is being conducted with Lead Auditor Mr. Gerard Cayetano and Auditor Mr. Richard Bacomo leading the assessment. Their evaluation focuses on determining the continued conformity and effectiveness of SPAMAST’s Quality Management System and its implementation across various institutional offices, academic programs, and support services.

During the opening ceremony, SPAMAST President Dr. Lynette A. Bontia emphasized the significance of the surveillance audit in ensuring that the institution’s quality management practices remain responsive, effective, and aligned with international standards.

“This audit represents a vital opportunity to confirm our QMS is effectively implemented, maintained, and improved, aligning to the key principles of ISO 9001:2015,” Dr. Bontia said.

Her message underscored that the surveillance visit should not merely be viewed as an assessment of compliance, but as an opportunity for the institution to reflect on its systems and processes, identify areas for improvement, and strengthen its delivery of quality services to its stakeholders.

Following the opening ceremony, the first day of the surveillance visit proceeded with the assessment of various institutional areas at the Malita Campus and Buhangin Campus.

At the Malita Campus, the audit activities covered Top Management and the Context of the Organization, followed by Research and Extension, Bids and Awards Committee (BAC)/Procurement, Information and Communications Technology (ICT), and Student Services, particularly student publication and scholarship services.

Meanwhile, the audit team also visited the Buhangin Campus to assess the institution’s undergraduate programs, including laboratory facilities, as well as conduct verification of nonconformity (NC) related to infrastructure and maintenance.

The first day’s activities provided an opportunity for concerned offices, academic units, and support services to demonstrate their respective processes, records, and practices as part of SPAMAST’s implementation of its Quality Management System.

The surveillance visit will continue on August 18, with the assessment covering undergraduate and graduate programs, including laboratories; curriculum design and development, where applicable; finance and its accounting, budgeting, and cashiering processes; document control; library services; and internal audit. The second day will also include the Management Review, consolidation of findings, and closing meeting.

The ISO 9001:2015 surveillance visit reflects SPAMAST’s sustained pursuit of institutional excellence and its commitment to strengthening systems that support quality education, research, extension, administration, and student services.

As SPAMAST continues to sail beyond boundaries, the institution remains committed to ensuring that quality is not only a certification requirement but a continuing culture embedded in its operations and service to its stakeholders.