T1 Transport, First Balfour’s heavy equipment hauling and sustainable people transport business, has successfully completed the Stage 1 audit for ISO 9001, marking a significant step toward achieving its certification against the internationally-recognized standard. The Stage 1 audit was conducted by external auditor TÜV NORD Philippines on February 19, confirming the company’s readiness for the final certification stage tentatively scheduled for March 2025.
L-R: T1 Rentals Quality Engineer Isabelle Maglatang; First Balfour Corporate Quality Team Mayeth Marasigan, Lyn Guballa, and Coleen Kagaoan; T1 Transport Quality Lead Jade Natividad; T1 Transport Business Unit Head Jed Francis Decano, T1 Transport HR and Admin Lead Rojie Olandria, T1 Transport Quality Assistant Ritchie Baquilar, T1 Transport HR and Admin Supervisor Jeramie Declaro, T1 Transport HR and Admin Asst. Jurenea Aira Riglos, and T1 Transport Skill Development Trainer Aaron Vici Manaog
The ISO 9001 certification process consists of two key audit stages. Stage 1 assessed T1 Transport’s Quality Management System (QMS) documentation, ensuring it is aligned with ISO requirements. There were zero major or minor non-conformities indicated in the audit results, demonstrating that the business’ documentation is in place. “Passing Stage 1 with flying colors just goes to show that we are very much prepared for the next phase and are optimistic about achieving the certification,” shares T1 Transport Quality Lead Jade Natividad. Stage 2, the certification audit, will then evaluate the actual implementation and effectiveness of this QMS across its daily operations.
On T1 Transport’s ISO journey, First Balfour Corporate Quality Head Joey Lagdan shares, “We began helping T1 Transport prepare for certification as early as 2018, but due to challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic and our focus on ensuring full readiness, we had to adjust our timeline.” While the business has had a series of internal quality audits beginning December 2018, it prioritized ensuring its QMS was fully developed and implemented before moving forward. “This careful approach allowed T1 Transport to refine its procedures, address key areas for improvement, and build a strong foundation for certification. The engagement of a dedicated Quality Lead in 2023 also played a crucial role in preparing the team for this first step,” he further adds.
T1 Transport’s Internal Quality Audit (IQA) in July 2024 at its equipment yard in Tanauan, Batangas
As part of T1 Rentals, which is ISO-certified from 2020, T1 Transport benefits from a strong culture of quality and continuous improvement. Achieving ISO 9001 certification will further align T1 Transport with the group’s high standards, reinforcing its commitment to operational excellence and customer satisfaction.
