THE UNIVERSITY of Santo Tomas  has been recommended for ISO 21001:2018 certification following a comprehensive four-day audit by TUV-SUD Philippines, Inc.

ISO 21001:2018 focuses on Educational Organization Management Systems, marking UST’s transition from its earlier ISO 9001:2008 and ISO 9001:2015 certifications and reaffirming its commitment to quality education.

The standard emphasizes meeting learners’ needs and expectations while addressing sustainability, data privacy, and special education.

The audit, conducted by Len Marc Tagud (Lead Auditor), Jofre Velasco, and Jaypee Bathan, included interviews with university officials, site visits, audits, and classroom observations.

Dr. Clarita Carillo, Assistant to the Rector for Planning and Quality Management, noted that UST had already been applying ISO 9001:2015 standards through an education-centered lens using the Plan-Do-Check-Act framework—earning recognition from local and regional accrediting bodies.

The transition process began in August 2024 with internal training and audits, culminating in the Stage 2 audit last week, which confirmed UST’s readiness for certification.