The Department of Trade and Industry-Philippine Accreditation Bureau (DTI-PAB) intensified its partnership with the academic sector by conducting an orientation on the bureau’s mandate and services on August 9, 2024, at De La Salle University Laguna Campus.
The orientation’s primary objective was to enhance the academic sector’s understanding of PAB’s accreditation services. As the need for accreditation in new and emerging fields increases, PAB is eager to leverage the academic community’s expertise. The collaboration aims to recruit technical experts from universities to assist in PAB assessments, ensuring that the scope of accreditation remains robust and responsive to industry needs.
Another important point covered during the orientation was the introduction of ISO/IEC 17025:2017. This international standard outlines the general requirements for the competence of testing and calibration laboratories. With participants from various universities operating their own laboratories, the session presented a valuable opportunity for these institutions to consider adopting the standard and pursuing accreditation.
Leading the orientation were representatives from DTI-PAB: Ms. Maria Juanita P. Carpio, Chief of the Management System Accreditation Division (MSAD); Ms. Michelle P. Esteban, Chief of the Laboratory Accreditation Division (LAD); Ms. Estrella P. Abejero, Chief of the Promotion and Documentation Division (PDD), and Ms. Japhet T. Celis, Senior Trade-Industry Development Specialist, also from PDD. Their insights and expertise guided the attendees in understanding the benefits and processes of accreditation, as well as the potential role universities can play in supporting PAB’s mission.
The event marks a significant step forward in DTI-PAB’s efforts to expand its network of technical experts and enhance the quality of accreditation services in the Philippines. By engaging with the academic community, PAB not only broadens its pool of resources but also strengthens the bridge between education and industry standards, fostering a more competent and competitive laboratory sector in the country.
Release Date: 16 August 2024.