The COVID-19 pandemic did not deter the Philippine Coconut Authority – Laboratory Services Division (PCA-LSD) from obtaining its PNS ISO/IEC 17025:2017 accreditation in the fields of Biological and Chemical Testing from the Department of Trade and Industry – Philippine Accreditation Bureau (DTI-PAB).
The PCA-LSD’s journey to accreditation began in October 2018, and after three years of preparation, the PCA-LSD’s management and personnel were rewarded for their efforts.
The accreditation of PCA-LSD is valid until October 13, 2026, subject to continuing conformity with the ISO technical requirements and PAB conditions for accreditation. Potable water and bottled coconut drink for beverages are the scopes covered for accreditation under the Biological Testing. Animal Feeds (Corn Meal/Kernels and Copra Meal), Soils (Agricultural) and Vegetable Oil, are among the accredited scopes for Chemical Testing.
The ISO/IEC 17025:2017 accreditation by DTI-PAB is a mechanism that determines the technical competence and integrity of organizations offering testing and calibration services. ISO/IEC 17025:2017 provides not only requirements for an organization’s quality management system, but also includes detailed and specific technical criteria for the operation of technical services, such as assuring personnel’s competence.
Accredited laboratories are evaluated regularly by an accreditation body like PAB to ensure their continued competence and compliance with international standards. Laboratories are also required to participate in relevant proficiency testing programs to further demonstrate their technical expertise.
As the national accreditation body of the Philippines, PAB is mandated to accredit inspection, testing, and certification bodies, as well as other bodies that provide conformity assessment services. The Laboratory Accreditation Division (LAD), one of the PAB’s divisions is in charge of accreditation schemes for inspection bodies, testing including medical testing and calibration.
For the complete list of PAB accredited testing/calibration laboratories, please visit our website: www.dti.gov.ph/pab or e-mail at pab@dti.gov.ph.
Release Date: 14 December 2021