PAB-MSAD Assessors, Technical Experts, and Accreditation Evaluation Panel Members and PAB personnel pose for a group photo on March 19, 2025, at Citadines Roces in Quezon City.

The Department of Trade and Industry – Philippine Accreditation Bureau (DTI-PAB) held its annual Assessors, Technical Experts (TE), and Accreditation Evaluation Panel (AEP) Members Forum to discuss key updates and advancements in the accreditation sector. The forum, aimed at fostering collaboration and improving accreditation standards, highlighted the Bureau’s accomplishments, ongoing improvements, and future initiatives to further improve the accreditation process.

Held at Citadines Roces in Quezon City, the forum was centered on several key program updates, which included the Management System Accreditation Division (MSAD) accomplishments for 2024, the progress of the PAB’s Online Accreditation System (OASys), updates on accreditation programs and standards, and a comprehensive review of PAB assessments and the roles of assessors and technical experts. The event served as an important platform to align all stakeholders with the Bureau’s goals, setting the stage for a more efficient and robust accreditation process moving forward.

In his opening message, PAB Director James Empeño emphasized the critical role of technical assessors, experts, and AEP members in maintaining the integrity and credibility of accreditation processes both locally and globally. “Your work is vital in shaping the standards that uphold the quality and competence of organizations across various sectors. Whether through assessment, expert evaluation, or panel decision-making, your collective efforts ensure that the accreditation process remains transparent, fair, and robust.” Dir. Empeño said.

Accreditation Officer Engr. Mary Joan De Pablo started off the forum with a presentation showcasing the Division’s accomplishments. She highlighted key milestones and achievements over the past year, emphasizing their positive impact on the overall quality of the accreditation process.

Following this, PAB Assistant Director Ernani Dionisio provided an update on the PAB Online Accreditation System (OASys), a technological initiative designed to modernize and streamline accreditation processes. OASys is a comprehensive digital platform that allows for seamless submission, review, and tracking of accreditation applications. Its dashboard features and interface were presented, with the aim of making the accreditation process more accessible for both applicants and assessors.

MSAD Chief Engr. Ma. Juanita Carpio followed with a presentation on the essential role of assessors and experts in maintaining the integrity of accreditation assessments. She emphasized the importance of conformity assessment, which ensures compliance with standards through testing, certification, inspection, and accreditation. Engr. Carpio also elaborated on the functional approach to conformity assessment, which includes a structured process of selection, determination, review, and attestation to guarantee objective evaluations.

Additionally, Engr. Carpio provided updates on PAB’s accreditation programs and standards, including the endorsed normative document from the Asia Pacific Accreditation Cooperation (APAC). She also introduced the Task Force on Organic Accreditation, which is developing an informative document based on ISO 17011 to establish best practices for accrediting Organic Production Certification Bodies.

The afternoon session featured an engaging workshop, where participants were grouped by their roles (Assessors, TE, and AEP). This hands-on session allowed attendees to present the Knowledge, Skills, and Attributes (KSAs) needed for their respective roles and to demonstrate how these KSAs are applied in practice. The findings and recommendations were then discussed during the open forum.

The discussions and presentations throughout the day highlighted PAB’s dedication to maintaining a high standard of accreditation and continuously improving its services. The forum also highlighted the importance of collaboration among key stakeholders in the accreditation ecosystem. By providing a platform for discussion, PAB is ensuring that all involved parties are kept informed, engaged, and empowered to contribute to the ongoing success of the accreditation process.

This forum marks another significant milestone in PAB’s ongoing efforts to enhance the country’s accreditation system, which plays a vital role in fostering quality, competitiveness, and consumer protection in various industries. DTI-PAB remains dedicated to driving accreditation excellence through continuous innovation, stakeholder engagement, and capacity-building initiatives.

Release Date: 31 March 2025.

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