The Department of Trade and Industry-Philippine Accreditation Bureau (DTI-PAB) is delighted to announce the accreditation of the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (DOST-PAGASA) Instrument Calibration Laboratory (PICL) in accordance with ISO/IEC 17025 standard. This remarkable milestone achieved by DOST-PICL serves as a validation of their longstanding dedication and unwavering commitment to achieving excellence in the calibration of meteorological instruments.
The journey towards this accreditation commenced in 2018 when the DOST-PICL team embarked on a rigorous process to meet the stringent requirements of ISO/IEC 17025. This international standard outlines the general requirements for the competence of testing and calibration laboratories, ensuring that accredited facilities deliver reliable and accurate results.
The accreditation was officially granted on August 29, 2023, and a formal awarding ceremony took place on September 25, 2023, at the PAGASA Science Garden. The event was graced by Ms. Michelle Esteban, Chief of the Laboratory Accreditation Division at the Department of Trade and Industry-Philippine Accreditation Bureau (DTI-PAB).
The ceremony was attended by the entire staff of PICL, led by Administrator Nathaniel T. Servando, PhD, and other distinguished guests including Bonifacio G. Pajuelas, PhD, DA for Operations & Services; Shirley J. David, OIC-DA for R&D; Engr. Lorenzo A. Moron, OIC, RDTD, and the dedicated Technical Working Group.
The DOST-PICL, formerly known as the Instruments Research and Development Unit (IRDU), was designated in 1996 by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) as a Regional Instrument Centre (RIC) for the South-West Pacific region. Its primary mission is to serve as the center for the National Reference Standard for Basic Meteorological Instruments of the agency, and this accreditation further solidifies its reputation as a center of excellence in the field.
With ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation in hand, DOST-PICL is well-equipped to continue its vital work in ensuring the accuracy and reliability of meteorological instruments, ultimately contributing to the safety and well-being of the Philippines and the broader South-West Pacific region. For the complete list of their scope of accreditation, please check the “CABs” section of our website: www.dti.gov.ph/pab.
Release Date: 06 October 2023.