Filamer Christian University, Inc. (FCU) continues to strengthen its pursuit of academic excellence and institutional quality as administrators, unit and academic heads, faculty and staff engaged in a one-week training in preparation for the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 21001:2025 Educational Organization Management System, September 16, at the University Library Ground Floor.

Organized by the Office of Quality Assurance headed by its officer, Dr. Eleonor Bechayda, the training marked a significant milestone in FCU’s commitment to aligning its systems and practices with global standards being the “first” university to apply for the new ISO program.

ISO is a federation of national standards bodies representing 173 countries, regarded worldwide as the authority on standardization.

The first day focused on sessions for top management including university officials, department and unit heads where Mrs. Estrella Thea Buenaventura, external auditor and consultant, introduced the ISO guidelines through the awareness session.

“We welcome this step, and we hope to pass the standards of ISO. In fact, we are ready to hear recommendations based on international standard,” Dr. George Cortel, university president, said.

The second and third days centered on awareness and orientation activities for faculty and staff (FASA) to ensure that every sector of the university community is actively involved in the certification process since according to Mrs. Buenaventura, FASA has vital roles on achieving ISO quality standards.

During the sessions, Buenaventura, underscored the role of ISO in strengthening international cooperation and standardization. She explained that ISO frameworks guide institutions in establishing reliable systems that promote intellectual, scientific, technological, and economic advancement.

The orientation also introduced ISO 21001, or the Educational Organizations Management System (EOMS).

This standard is specifically designed for schools and universities to maintain consistency in their systems, ensure student-focused services, and uphold globally recognized quality in teaching and administration.

The external auditor and consultant was also toured across FCU’s two campuses to assess facilities, signages, operations, and buildings, among other areas during the second day.

Notably, the consultant discussed three topics on the third say including Context of the Organization (Identification of the Internal and External Interested Parties- Their Need and Expectations, Legal and other Requirements); Process Mapping vs. Actual Process and Practice; and KPI or Objective and Target Setting vs. Actual Process and Practices.

The third day also marked the ceremonial contract signing between the university, represented by Dr. Cortel, and ISO external consultant and auditor Mrs. Buenaventura, a milestone that underscored FCU’s commitment to continuous innovation and development.

For FCU learners, this translates to a more structured academic environment where services, instruction, and support are aligned with international expectations.

The training further demonstrated how international standards, though often associated with industries, are also transformative in education.

For FCU, adopting these principles means dependable teaching practices, streamlined documentation, and more accessible services for students. Through ISO, the university assures learners that their education is both relevant to local needs and competitive on a global scale.

Additionally, certification represents not just compliance but a clear commitment to continuous growth and global competitiveness in higher education.

The training continues from September 17 to 19, covering documentation practices, internal quality systems, and process alignment. These sessions involve faculty, staff, document controllers, and administrators, reinforcing a collective effort to build sustainable academic practices.

By investing in this initiative, FCU empowers its community. Faculty gain structured guidance for teaching, administrators benefit from efficient processes, and students enjoy a higher quality of learning and services.

Student Perspective: What ISO means for Filamerians

For many students, ISO certification may seem technical, but its benefits are tangible. They can expect smoother office transactions, more organized academic services, and consistent classroom instruction. The assurance that FCU adheres to international standards also strengthens their confidence that their education is globally competitive.

Learners recognize this initiative as proof that the university values their journey. With fewer administrative hurdles and better support systems, they can focus more on academic growth and personal development. For graduating students, ISO adds prestige to their degrees, giving them stronger credentials for both local employment and opportunities abroad.

FCU’s path to quality assurance

FCU has long been committed to maintaining quality education through accreditation processes and evaluations. The university has undergone program-based accreditations with the Association of Christian Schools, Colleges and Universities – Accrediting Council, Inc. (ACSCU-ACI) and complied with standards set by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED). These efforts strengthened academic programs, faculty training, and administrative systems.

The ISO initiative builds on these foundations by focusing on institution-wide quality management. Unlike program-specific accreditations, ISO evaluates the overall system, ensuring that all processes, academic and administrative, are sustainable, accountable, and consistent. This marks a strategic step toward aligning FCU with global practices in higher education.

Looking Ahead: A vision beyond certification

As FCU moves forward in its ISO journey, the university envisions lasting benefits that extend beyond compliance. Certification is seen not as an end goal, but as a platform for continuous improvement, innovation, and international recognition.

For future generations of Filamerians, this means entering a university environment that consistently adapts to change, embraces global standards, and remains committed to nurturing learners who are prepared for the challenges of a fast-changing world. By embedding ISO principles into its core, FCU affirms its role as a learning institution that not only serves the present but also shapes the future with resilience, quality, and excellence.