The Philippine Accreditation Bureau (PAB) through the Management System Accreditation Division (MSAD) and Promotion and Documentation Division (PDD) held a highly successful Conformity Assessment Bodies’ (CABs) Forum on June 19-20, 2024 at DTI International Building, 375 Sen. Gil Puyat, Makati City. The event was attended by MSAD’s accredited CABs to discuss latest developments and updates in accreditation and conformity assessment.

Day 1 Highlights

Led by MSAD Chief, Engr. Ma. Juanita Carpio, the forum commenced with the presentation of MSAD’s recent achievements and personnel updates. This was followed by the overview of PAB’s accreditation schemes, detailing the Division’s program updates on each scheme as well as discussion on the Customer Satisfaction Survey based on the Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA) requirements, ensuring transparency and efficiency in accreditation services.

Participants were also introduced to the PAB Online Accreditation System (OAS), a digital platform designed to streamline the accreditation process, making it more efficient and accessible. The system was presented by system developer, Mr. Ric Valiente Jr. from Kalamansi Studios, Inc.

A significant segment of the day was dedicated to the discussion on the draft Department Administrative Order highlighting the revised fees and charges of accreditation services rendered by the Bureau. This aims to gather feedback and insights from the participants to ensure a comprehensive and inclusive approach in finalizing the document. Inputs gathered will be carefully reviewed and considered, ensuring that the interests of all concerned are taken into account.

Participants and event secretariat pose for a group photo to mark the culmination of the first day of the forum.

Further, the forum delved into critical international directives, including the International Accreditation Forum Mandatory Documents (IAF MDs), the IAF-ISO Communique, and insights from the IAF-ILAC Midterm Meeting. The session also featured an overview of the IAF CERTSearch, a global database where users can search and validate the status of accredited certification, and updates from ISO CASCO, the committee that develops policy and publishes standards related to conformity assessment.

Day 2 Highlights

The second day featured engaging sessions with speakers from the following different government agencies. The goal for the second day was to explore and informed about their services and introduce new schemes that might be offered in the future.

DENR-FMB: Senior Forest Management Specialist Yarah Garcia, representative from the Forest Management Bureau of the Department of Environmental and Natural Resources, discussed the Carbon Accounting, Verification, and Certification System (CAVCS) for Forest Carbon Projects. Ms. Garcia provided an overview on CAVCS as well as the status updates on the refinement of the manuals and templates for Operationalization of DAO 2021-4 on CAVCS for Forest Carbon Projects.

CHED: The discussion on the Landscape of CHED on Institutional Quality Assurance was led by Chief Education Program Specialist, Dr. Mildred Libot. Her presentation highlighted the key points on the CMO No. 6 Series of 2023 and CMO No. 46, Series of 2012 that provide comprehensive information on the standards, procedures, and criteria that Philippine Higher Education Institutions need to adhere to regarding the quality assurance and their institutional status.

DOLE: Engr. Concepcion Sto. Tomas, Division Chief of the Safety Control Division of the Occupational Safety and Health Center under the Department of Labor and Employment highlighted the critical role of health and safety standards in protecting workers and promoting a safe working environment.

PhilSA: The presentation from the Philippine Space Agency was led by Assistant Chief Ma. Victoria Basto and Atty. Giovani Concepcion. They detailed the agency’s mandate and programs related to aerospace, showcasing the country’s advancements in space technology and exploration.

Snapshot of success: Group photo featuring participants and event organizers post PAB-MSAD CABs Forum.

The two-day event, organized by the two divisions, resulted with a reaffirmed commitment to excellence in accreditation processes, and creating extensive collaborations between PAB and its accredited CABs to elevate standards and improve accreditation practices.

For more information about PAB and upcoming events and activities, please visit our website at www.dti.gov.ph/pab.

Release Date: 26 June 2024

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