Today, was the certification audit of the company. I had spent the weekend preparing myself for it: studying the standard, documented policies, and procedures. Yet when the day started it was still nerve-wracking. There’s always that lingering thought that you forgot something. There’s the fear that something, somewhere is going to give. I was tense throughout the day but tried not to show it.

As the day went by and the audit progressed, we checked the results with the auditees. As we ticked off the audit areas, we realized that we could actually make it. And this was confirmed by the auditors during the closing meeting when they informed us that they found only a few minor non-conformities and are recommending the company for certification. Everyone cheered and clapped. It was such a relief. After over a year, our efforts finally came to fruit.

I would like to thank everyone for all their effort without which this certification would not have been possible: To AJA Philippines, our certifying body. To ECCI, our official consultant. To top guys PG, PS, and JFP, for their never-ending support. To the department heads Evelyn, Maribeth, Celia, Ellen, Eddy, and Ike who along with their respective departments worked hard to meet the certification requirements. To Mayet, our QM Assistant and Document Controller, I know your heart is in creatives and yet you did what you have to do and you did it very well. And finally and most importantly, to Carol, our internal Lead Auditor and ISO 9001 consultant, she is the woman behind our QMS.