The Philippine Accreditation Bureau (PAB) continues its steadfast commitment to supporting laboratory personnel in fostering technical competence and quality assurance through the training session on ISO/IEC 17025:2017. The event was conducted at the Parklane International Hotel, Cebu City, and attended by representatives from the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) laboratories across Regions 7,8,9,10, and 13, who expressed enthusiasm for the strengthened collaboration in promoting excellence in laboratory practices.

Ms. Katrina Talle, Accreditation Officer of the Laboratory Accreditation Division (LAD) of PAB, served as the resource speaker during the event held on November 26-27, 2024. The training session opened with a pre-test to gauge the participants' baseline understanding of ISO/IEC 17025:2017, the internationally recognized standard for testing and calibration laboratory competence. Ms. Talle then delivered a comprehensive presentation covering the general requirements of the standard, including impartiality, management system documentation, resource requirements, and technical operational principles.

In her presentation, Ms. Talle emphasized the relevance of the standard in ensuring consistency in laboratory results and building trust among stakeholders. She provided practical approaches for implementing the standard in laboratory settings and addressed common challenges faced by laboratory personnel. Additionally, she discussed PAB’s accreditation process, which helps personnel understand the benchmarks for technical competence and management systems required for accreditation. 

To reinforce learning, a post-test was provided after the session. The test results revealed a significant improvement in participants' understanding of the standard, highlighting the effectiveness of the training program in building the participants’ competence and confidence in applying ISO/IEC 17025:2017 principles.

The training session is part of a larger initiative under Modern and Resilient Livelihood Investments (MARLIN) Sub-Component 2.3: Aquaculture and Fisheries Infrastructure, aimed at establishing laboratories to support aquaculture and fisheries infrastructure development. Integrating ISO/IEC 17025:2017 into this training session highlights the vital role laboratories play in advancing the aquaculture and fisheries industries through high-quality testing, regulatory compliance, and enhanced international competitiveness.

PAB's commitment to conducting such training underscores its dedication to upholding international standards in laboratory operations and accreditation. The bureau serves as a key player in ensuring laboratory competence, thereby enhancing the overall quality infrastructure of the Philippines.

The successful execution of this event reflects the Department of Trade and Industry’s unwavering commitment, through PAB, to fostering economic resilience and sustainability by strengthening the country’s ability to produce high-quality and safe aquaculture products.

For more information about PAB’s accreditation services and initiatives, please visit https://www.dti.gov.ph/pab/services/.

Release Date: 03 December 2024.