Cebu Holdings Inc. gets ISO certification

Expect world-class standards in the quality of goods and services at the Ayala Center Cebu after Cebu Holdings Incorporated, the group handling the mall's management and operations, has recently been awarded an ISO certification.

The Certification International Philippines accredited CHI in three international management standards encompassing quality (ISO 9001:2000), environment (ISO14001:2004) and health and safety (OHSAS 18001:1999).

For almost three years, CHI "re-examined its processes, took numerous trainings, and underwent a series of audits - both internal and external - to meet world-class standards demanded of an ISO-accredited company."

And because CHI becomes the first full-line real estate company in the Philippines to be ISO-certified, Ayala Center Cebu, operated by the Commercial Centers Business Group of CHI, is also the first mall in the country to be ISO-certified.

This means CHI's projects and services will have to conform to the international management system standards to which it has been certified to have applied in its operations.

Francis Monera, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of CHI, said the cost implication of their accreditation would also mean their goods and services would only be of the highest quality.

"We drive more on quality. There is also a premium on high quality standards," Monera said.

Accreditation for one management system standard is already rigorous, but Monera said they sought simultaneous accreditation in three areas to live up to their slogan, "Creating landmarks. Setting standards. Building Relationships."

Ma. Rosario Halili- de Lara, a member of the accrediting group, told reporters that CHI wanted to show that there is a balance in its operations, that is to satisfy their customers, take care of the communities around it, and protect its people.

She also said that CHI's effort to be simultaneously accredited shows that the company utilizes a management system that serves as a "baseline for improvement".

Clavel Tongco, head of the Commercial Center Division of CHI, said that by the end of the year, they aim to replace with colored cameras their existing security and surveillance cameras at the Ayala Center to augment their security efforts.

They have also coordinated with the barangays around their property to make sure that perpetrators of crimes inside the mall and or the property can be easily apprehended with the help of the barangay officials and authorities.

In a formal statement, CHI said, "we commit to complying with environmental and occupational health and safety laws and regulations, as well as mitigating land, air and water pollution by addressing the significant environmental impacts of our operations as a real estate developer. The company shall also continue - and improve - its conservation and waste reduction initiatives while seeking new ways to improve efficiencies through safe and innovative technologies and processes."

CIP has certified over 400 Philippine and multinational companies who are leaders in their respective industry or service sectors including agencies in government. - Joeberth M. Ocao