On June 9, 2025, the DTI-Philippine Accreditation Bureau (PAB) joins the global community in celebrating World Accreditation Day at 1898 Hotel Colonia En Las Filipinas in Makati City. The event brought together Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), particularly from the food sector, accredited certification bodies, testing laboratories, food industry associations, and assessors.
This year’s theme, “Accreditation: Empowering Small and Medium Enterprises,” highlighted how accreditation boosts the capacity and global competitiveness of MSMEs worldwide.
In his welcome message, Atty. Agaton Teodoro O. Uvero, DTI-Fair Trade Group Assistant Secretary, emphasized the essential role of accreditation in elevating MSMEs. He shared how accreditation fosters credibility, market access, and global competitiveness, and reaffirmed DTI-PAB’s commitment, and dedication to providing accreditation services that align with DTI’s goals of empowering businesses, protecting consumers, and driving inclusive economic growth.
Supporting this message, DTI-PAB’s Director James E. Empeño delivered a presentation on The Role of DTI-PAB in Strengthening MSMEs Through Accreditation of Conformity Assessment Bodies, emphasizing how accreditation supports MSMEs in meeting international standards and market demands.
A key highlight of the celebration was the series of inspiring testimonials from MSMEs and accredited Conformity Assessment Bodies (CABs), demonstrating the value of accreditation in expanding market reach and enhancing credibility.
Miguelito’s Ice Cream, a homegrown brand with over 600 stores nationwide and a growing international presence, shared how Halal certification—issued by PAB-accredited certification body Prime Certification and Inspection Asia Pacific Inc.—has been central to their global expansion strategy. Export President Mr. Miguel Kuan Aman emphasized that Halal certification is more than compliance; it’s a strategic advantage that fosters brand loyalty, respects cultural values, and drives innovation.
Josh Mojica’s Kangkong Chips Original (KCO), known for its unique local snack products, also attributed their success to certifications from Prime Certification and Inspection Asia Pacific Inc. Executive Admin. Manager Ms. Princess Dela Rosa stated that obtaining Halal and HACCP certifications helped them gain consumer trust and recognition, including being awarded as a Healthy and Halal Snack Food Excellence brand.
Radin Food Products, a micro-enterprise from Agusan del Sur known for its “Gourmet Guinamos,” shared how product testing through a PAB-accredited ISO/IEC 17025 laboratory supported their FDA license application and validated their commitment to quality. Owner Ms. Dinah Lyra Pantaleon highlighted that accurate testing is crucial to upholding their promise of “Pinakalami ug Pinakahinlo na Guinamos.”
On the part of the certification body, Dr. Mary Jane Alvero Al Mahdi, CEO of Prime Certification and Inspection Asia Pacific Inc., emphasized the rigorous yet rewarding journey toward obtaining PAB accreditation. She said that the accreditation had strengthened their credibility and international standing as a certification body for HACCP, FSMS, and Halal, enhanced their operational efficiency, and given them a competitive advantage in the market.
Ms. Sheryl Napoco Laboratory Head of the Department of Science and Technology-Regional Standards and Testing Laboratory (DOST-RSTL) Davao described how accreditation under ISO/IEC 17025 transformed their services. She noted improvements in internal processes, staff development, customer trust, and regional impact, particularly in supporting MSMEs and public health initiatives in Region XI.
These testimonials reflect the vital role of PAB accreditation in empowering businesses, promoting product integrity, and enabling wider market access—both locally and globally.
The event also featured an insightful overview of the Food Safety Management System (FSMS), by Ms. Mary Joan D. De Pablo, Assistant Division Chief of DTI-PAB’s Management System Accreditation Division, underscoring its relevance to the growth and global competitiveness of food-related MSMEs.
The celebration wrapped up with DTI-PAB’s Assistant Director Ernani Dionisio’s closing remarks, thanking the participants for joining the celebration and urging continued collaboration to extend the benefits of accreditation to more MSMEs, ultimately supporting product quality, consumer safety, and economic growth.
To learn more about PAB’s accreditation services and initiatives, visit: www.dti.gov.ph/pab.
Release Date: 18 June 2025.
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