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ISO UPDATE | Achieving Educational Excellence:
A Deep Dive into ISO 21001:2018 EOMS
By: HENRY O. PALACA, MTM, PIE
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In the ever-changing world of education, schools and institutions worldwide are on a constant quest for improvement and a standardized approach to enhance their quality management system. That's where ISO 21001:2018 steps in, an international standard specifically tailored for educational organizations to foster excellence in their operations.
So, what's the deal with ISO 21001? Well, at its core, it's all about making a rock-solid educational management system that aligns with the school's mission and vision. This standard is all about putting the students first, understanding that everyone's got their own needs and making sure the quality management principles are part of the whole education experience.
ISO 21001:2018, or as it's officially known, "Educational organizations — Management systems for educational organizations — Requirements with guidance for use," came into the scene to tackle the unique challenges that schools face in keeping up consistent quality education. It draws inspiration from ISO's quality management framework and tailors it to fit the intricate dynamics of the education sector.
Now, let's talk about the host of benefits of ISO 21001 to educational stakeholders. For institutions, ISO 21001 offers a structured framework for improved efficiency, transparency, and stakeholder satisfaction. Students benefit from a more tailored and responsive learning environment, while educators gain tools to enhance their teaching methods. Additionally, parents and regulatory bodies find assurance in the standardized quality management practices.
Despite the potential benefits, ISO 21001 journey is not at all smooth sailing. Resistance to change from various stakeholders, resource constraints, and the need for staff competence are common hurdles. Institutions must navigate these challenges to ensure a smooth transition towards setting up with the ISO 21001 standard.
Establishing ISO 21001 involves several key steps. Schools and institutions begin with a thorough gap analysis to identify deficiencies against the ISO standard as well as areas requiring improvement. They then develop a customized quality policy, set quality objectives, and implement the necessary processes. Continuous monitoring, evaluation, and periodic reviews are integral to maintaining conformance and achieving ongoing improvement.
In a nutshell, ISO 21001:2018 emerges as a beacon for educational institutions aspiring to elevate their standards. By embracing its principles, these learning organizations embark on a transformative journey towards a more efficient, learner-centric, and quality-driven educational experience.
HENRY O. PALACA, MTM, PIE is founding President of QUALITY PLUS MANAGEMENT CONSULTING CO. He is a Management System and Business Process Improvement expert. He successfully assisted more than 100 companies in their ISO Certification journey and over 20 companies on their Business Process Improvement programs for his twenty years of experience in the industry, handling Industrial Engineering, TQM, and various management systems. He is the author of the management system book, “Building Organizational Excellence Through ISO 9001.” He is one of the 40 management system experts who were Certified National Energy Management System (ISO 50001 EnMS) Consultant. He is also a regular guest lecturer of UP-ISSI, Diliman, Quezon City.
RISING CONCERNS OVER FOOD SAFETY INCIDENTS
IN THE PHILIPPINES
By: HENRY O. PALACA, MTM, PIE
On November 15, 2024, at least 238 students from Guimaras State University (GSU) in Buenavista town, along with their relatives, were hospitalized due to suspected food poisoning. The students exhibited symptoms after consuming food served at a school
event.
Earlier in 2024, another food poisoning incident occurred on February 21, when 216 individuals were hospitalized in Esperanza, Agusan del Sur, after eating meals distributed by a food truck from the Philippine Red Cross. Victims experienced
symptoms such as abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting following the meal distribution to flood evacuees. Both incidents can be attributed to improper food handling,contamination, and poor hygiene practices.
While no comprehensive statistics exist summarizing the total number of food poisoning victims in the Philippines, recent reports indicate a significant rise in such incidents. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that every year, approximately 600 million people worldwide become ill from contaminated food, leading to around 420,000 deaths. Alarmingly, children under five years old account for a significant 40% of food poisoning victims.
In light of the rising foodborne illnesses, both the Department of Health (DOH) and WHO recommend enhancing food safety practices at community levels and within healthcare settings to reduce the incidence of foodborne illnesses. Likewise, it is essential for every segment of the food supply chain to adopt food safety management systems such as current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP), Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP), and ISO 22000 to prevent or mitigate the risk of food contamination.
HENRY O. PALACA, MTM, PIE is founding President of QUALITY PLUS MANAGEMENT CONSULTING CO. He is a Management System and Business Process Improvement expert. He successfully assisted more than 100 companies in their ISO Certification journey and over 20 companies on their Business Process Improvement programs for his twenty years of experience in the industry, handling Industrial Engineering, TQM, and various management systems. He is the author of the management system book, “Building Organizational Excellence Through ISO 9001.” He is one of the 40 management system experts who were Certified National Energy Management System (ISO 50001 EnMS) Consultant. He is also a regular guest lecturer of UP-ISSI, Diliman, Quezon City.
FOOD SAFETY UPDATE l Introducing FSSC 22000 Version 6.0. Stay Ahead. Stay Secure.
By: HENRY O. PALACA, MTM, PIE
FSSC 22000, or Food Safety System Certification 22000, is a globally recognized food safety certification scheme for food businesses, emphasizing their commitment to food safety. Issued by an independent certification body, this certificate signifies a proactive approach to ensuring that food is safe for consumption.
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Imagine your food business is like a well-run ship. FSSC 22000 Version 6.0 is your navigational guide, helping you maintain safety and security on this journey. Here's a glimpse of what this updated version brings to your food safety efforts.
Key Highlights of Version 6.0:
1. New Requirements:
o Food safety and quality culture. FSSC 22000 version 6.0 highlights the importance of building a culture focused on both safety and quality, receiving dedicated attention in this version.
o Equipment Management. FSSC 22000 version 6.0 specifies the need for detailed documentation when procuring equipment, including hygienic design conditions.
o Quality Control. FSSC 22000 version 6.0 introduces a systematic quality control procedure for maintaining product quality parameters.
o Communication Requirement. FSSC 22000 version 6.0 mandates timely reporting to the certifying body about events affecting food safety, legality, or certification integrity.
o Food loss and waste. FSSC 22000 version 6.0 requires businesses to establish strategies for reducing food loss and waste in their supply chain.
2. Updates to Existing Requirements:
Eleven (11) new topics are introduced within existing requirements, covering aspects like Supplier Management, Product Labeling, Food Defense, Food Fraud, Logo Use, Management of Allergens, Environmental Monitoring, Transportation and Delivery, Product Design and Development, Requirements for multi-site organization, and Hazard Control and measures to prevent cross-contamination.
3. Unchanged Requirements:
Verification of PRPs (Prerequisite Programs) and Health Status requirements remain unchanged.
Why Upgrade to Version 6.0:
FSSC 22000 certification ensures that your food business stays at the forefront of food safety. Version 6.0 not only maintains the high standards of the previous version but introduces key enhancements, reflecting industry best practices.
By upgrading, you strengthen your food safety management system, showcasing your dedication to continuous improvement and adherence to the latest global standards. Stay ahead, stay secure – with FSSC 22000 Version 6.0!
Why Upgrade to Version 6.0:
FSSC 22000 certification ensures that your food business stays at the forefront of food safety. Version 6.0 not only maintains the high standards of the previous version but introduces key enhancements, reflecting industry best practices.
By upgrading, you strengthen your food safety management system, showcasing your dedication to continuous improvement and adherence to the latest global standards. Stay ahead, stay secure – with FSSC 22000 Version 6.0!
HENRY O. PALACA, MTM, PIE is founding President of QUALITY PLUS MANAGEMENT CONSULTING CO. He is a Management System and Business Process Improvement expert. He successfully assisted more than 100 companies in their ISO Certification journey and over 20 companies on their Business Process Improvement programs for his twenty years of experience in the industry, handling Industrial Engineering, TQM, and various management systems. He is the author of the management system book, “Building Organizational Excellence Through ISO 9001.” He is one of the 40 management system experts who were Certified National Energy Management System (ISO 50001 EnMS) Consultant. He is also a regular guest lecturer of UP-ISSI, Diliman, Quezon City.
ISO UPDATE l Elevate your business with ISO 50001:2018 Energy Management System
By: HENRY O. PALACA, MTM, PIE
ISO 50001:2018 is an international standard for energy management systems designed to assist organizations in systematically improving their energy performance, enhancing energy efficiency, and reducing energy-related costs.
Underlying Philosophy:
ISO 50001:2018 is rooted in the philosophy of systematic energy management and continuous improvement. The standard adopts a systematic approach based on the Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA) cycle, encouraging organizations to establish an energy management system (EnMS) that systematically establishes, implements, maintains, and continually improves its management system and consequently its energy performance.
Importance:
The significance of ISO 50001:2018 lies in its capacity to facilitate organizations in establishing a robust framework for energy management. By adopting best practices and promoting a culture of energy efficiency, ISO 50001:2018 enables organizations to optimize energy usage, minimize waste, and consequently reduce operational costs.
Benefits to the Organization:
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Environmental Stewardship. By improving energy efficiency, organizations contribute to environmental sustainability, mitigating their carbon footprint, and adhering to corporate social responsibility principles.
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Legal Compliance. ISO 50001:2018 ensures organizations in meeting regulatory requirements, e.g., R.A. 11285, and standards related to energy use and environmental performance.
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Operational Excellence. The standard promotes a structured approach to energy management, enhancing overall operational performance and competitiveness.
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Cost and Energy Savings. ISO 50001:2018 helps organizations identify energy-saving opportunities, leading to cost reductions and increased profitability.
Societal Impact:
On a broader scale, the societal impact of widespread ISO 50001:2018 adoption is substantial. Aggregate energy efficiency improvements across various organizations contribute to reduced energy consumption, resulting in decreased greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and a positive impact on global efforts to mitigate climate change.
Common Challenges
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Hurdles during Initiation. Organizations may face challenges in initiating the ISO 50001:2018 implementation, requiring commitment, resources, and a strategic vision to overcome the initial hurdles.
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Cultural Alignment. Ensuring alignment of organizational culture with energy efficiency goals may pose challenges, necessitating effective communication and engagement strategies.
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Monitoring & Evaluation. Sustaining ISO 50001:2018 benefits requires ongoing monitoring, measurement, and periodic evaluation, presenting challenges in maintaining a continuous improvement mindset.
In conclusion, embracing ISO 50001:2018 is not just a certification; it's a commitment to a sustainable future, where organizations play a pivotal role in minimizing their environmental impact and fostering energy efficiency. By implementing ISO 50001:2018, businesses does not only realize immediate cost savings and operational enhancements but also contribute remarkably to global efforts in addressing climate change.
The call to action is clear: prioritize energy management, seize the opportunity to enhance your organization's competitiveness, and join the ranks of responsible enterprises that are making a positive impact on both their bottom line and the planet. Together, let's embark on the journey towards a more sustainable and energy-efficient future. The time to act is NOW.
HENRY O. PALACA, MTM, PIE is founding President of QUALITY PLUS MANAGEMENT CONSULTING CO. He is a Management System and Business Process Improvement expert. He successfully assisted more than 100 companies in their ISO Certification journey and over 20 companies on their Business Process Improvement programs for his twenty years of experience in the industry, handling Industrial Engineering, TQM, and various management systems. He is the author of the management system book, “Building Organizational Excellence Through ISO 9001.” He is one of the 40 management system experts who were Certified National Energy Management System (ISO 50001 EnMS) Consultant. He is also a regular guest lecturer of UP-ISSI, Diliman, Quezon City.