Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Assistant Secretary for Competitiveness and Innovation Group (CIG), Mary Jean T. Pacheco, joins the participants in a photo opportunity after she graced the event through her welcome remarks during the CABs forum conducted by the Philippine Accreditation Bureau’s (PAB) Laboratory Accreditation Division (LAD).

The Philippine Accreditation Bureau (PAB) held the first-ever Conformity Assessment Bodies Forum (CABs Forum) at the Ruby B. Room, Crowne Plaza Manila Galleria in Ortigas, Quezon City on 04 July 2019. A total of 173 participants from inspection bodies, testing and calibration laboratories and medical laboratories coming from the government and private sectors attended the event.

Competitiveness and Innovation Group (CIG) Assistant Secretary Mary Jean T. Pacheco graced the event and welcomed the participants on behalf of CIG Undersecretary Rafaelita M. Aldaba. She stressed that the growing number of CABs greatly contributes to a stronger National Quality Infrastructure. She also highlighted that CABs are exposed to many business opportunities. CABs may benefit from the government’s push to implement stricter regulations, like for instance, in the construction industry where testing and certification are needed most. She encouraged CABs to preserve the integrity of the conformity assessment processes, urging them to take an active participation in the policy formulation of the government.

The CABs Forum was organized by PAB-Laboratory Accreditation Division (LAD) to have a common understanding on the latest PAB policies and procedures. LAD Chief, Ms. Perla F. Baje and staff discussed the accreditation process and relevant PAB advisories, supplementary requirements and guidance documents. Through this forum, CABs are updated on PAB policies and procedures that are seen to help in streamlining assessment schedules while effectively managing risks and opportunities throughout the process.

An open forum ensued right after the presentations for clarifications  on assessments schedules, scopes of accreditation, composition of technical experts and concerns over payments. The use of PAB accreditation symbol was of particular interest to a number of participants.

PAB-Management System Accreditation Division Chief, Ms. Ma. Juanita P. Carpio, thanked the participants on behalf of PAB Officer-in-Charge, Assistant Director Ernani Dionisio. She highlighted that the event was a perfect venue to hear CABs’ concerns that serve as bases in reviewing or developing new accreditation policies and assessing the bureau’s performance.

As the national accreditation body of the Philippines, PAB accredits inspection bodies, testing and calibration laboratories, medical laboratories, certification bodies and other bodies offering conformity assessment services. Apart from this one-day event, PAB also conducts continuous awareness programs to promote accreditation services and ensure that changes or updates are properly communicated among its stakeholders.

For more information about PAB and its services as well as published advisories, forms, guidance documents and downloadable supplementary requirements, please visit www.dti.gov.ph/pab or call telephone number 02 895-39-95 or email via pab@dti.gov.ph.