Following a comprehensive assessment by the Archives, Statistics, and Research (ASTR) experts, the Central Philippines Union Conference (CPUC) has successfully achieved an emerging accreditation status for its Archives and Records Center.
The accreditation, with an impressive score of 90 out of 100 points, was awarded by Dr. David Trim, ASTR director; Pastor Samuel Yotam Bindosano, executive secretary of the Southern Asia-Pacific Division; Pastor Mamerto Guingguing II, associate executive secretary and human resource director; and Nazaida May Alzola-Tabelisma, assistant secretary and SSD coordinator for Archives and Records Center and Adventist Church Management System.
The accreditation team commended the CPUC for several key achievements, highlighting the establishment of a functional records center and archives facility. They praised the CPUC officers for their initiative and applauded the archives and records team for their preparedness and collaboration with the IT department.
These accreditors also noted the team’s efficiency in having relevant documents ready for the inspection. They acknowledged the positive working relationship between the archives and records team and the IT department.
CPUC officers and headquarters staff also received commendation for diligently adhering to the retention schedule, which plays a crucial role in effective records management. Their forward-thinking approach, in inviting representatives from its various conferences and missions to observe the accreditation process, received appreciation as an act that promotes a culture of transparency and shared learning.
To further improve the facility and its processes, the ASTR team has offered several recommendations. They suggest that the CPUC adopt a formal organizational plan for the records center to streamline its operations.
The team also recommended that the CPUC associate treasurer be appointed as a member of the Archives and Records Center Committee, and that this committee meet at least twice a year to ensure regular oversight.
For enhanced data security, the evaluators recommend implementing two-factor authentication for all users accessing records stored on Google Drive. In terms of emergency preparedness, they advise that the CPUC secretariat team familiarize itself with the existing disaster/emergency plans.
Lastly, for the physical safety and accessibility of the records center vault, they recommend installing a higher stepladder and a larger fire extinguisher.
Pastor Calev Maquirang, CPUC executive secretary, expressed his pride in the Archives and Records team. “I am so proud of our team for their hard work and dedication,” he said, acknowledging that their efforts to preserve the church’s stories are indeed remarkable.
Further in his remarks, Maquirang explained that the CPUC’s history and heritage serve as both a testament to God’s faithfulness and a source of inspiration for future generations. He stressed that believers are called to be faithful stewards of everything, including their documents and records, which he views as a legacy of God’s leading rather than just paper.
“The work being done is not for the present generation but for those who will follow,” he added.
The accreditation outcome solidifies the CPUC’s commitment to maintaining a professional and secure records management system. It motivates them to reach another milestone in preserving its history, ensuring the integrity of its records for future generations.