University of Makati Secretary Ms. Juvy B. Hermosura, MPA  (center), joined by PAB’s Engr. Estrella R. Pilipiña-Abejero, MPA, PDD Chief (second from right), Ms. Jennilyn Macabale, MBA, MSAD Assessor (third from right), PAB’s Ms. Michelle Esteban, RCh, MA (second from left), and UMak’s Mr. Mark Vincent E. Valerio (far left), concluding the orientation with a photo opportunity alongside student participants from various disciplines.

The Philippine Accreditation Bureau (PAB), under the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), remains committed to expanding its collaborative efforts with academic institutions, recognizing their vital role in shaping future experts in accreditation and industry standards.

On September 20, 2024, PAB conducted an “Orientation on PAB Services” at the University of Makati. The event highlighted PAB’s key services and explored opportunities for academic professionals to contribute to the accreditation process. This comprehensive session was attended by faculty and students interested in the ins and outs of accreditation.

The day began with a welcome message from Ms. Juvy B. Hermosura, University Secretary of the University of Makati (UMak), who emphasized the significance of PAB’s partnership in ensuring quality in higher education and related industries. The orientation aimed to inform participants about the critical role accreditation plays in fostering excellence across various sectors.

Engr. Estrella R. Pilipiña-Abejero, MPA, Chief of the Promotion and Documentation Division at PAB, delivered the first presentation. She provided an overview of PAB’s services, discussing the bureau’s mandate to accredit testing, inspection, and certification bodies in accordance with international standards. Engr. Abejero also emphasized the benefits of accreditation in ensuring global competitiveness and trade facilitation through PAB’s Mutual Recognition Arrangement (MRA) and Multilateral Recognition Arrangement (MLA) through Asia Pacific Accreditation Cooperation, International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation (ILAC), and International Accreditation Forum (IAF).

Following this, Ms. Jennilyn Macabale, MBA, Accreditation Officer and Trade-Industry Development Specialist of PAB, presented a detailed session on Management System Accreditation. She outlined the process of accreditation for management systems and its impact on ensuring consistency and quality within organizations.

Ms. Michelle Esteban, RCh, MA, Division Chief of the Laboratory Accreditation Division (LAD), concluded the presentations by highlighting the importance of laboratory accreditation. She shared insights on how academic professionals can become PAB assessors and technical experts, contributing their knowledge to the accreditation process and reinforcing the country’s quality infrastructure.

The orientation featured interactive open forums after each presentation, where participants engaged with PAB representatives, asking questions and exploring how they could gain benefits from accredited services and actively participate in the accreditation process.

The event closed with a call to action for academic professionals and future industry experts to consider joining PAB’s pool of technical experts and assessors, ensuring that the standards of accreditation continue to be upheld with integrity and expertise. Engr. Abejero also encouraged the academic community to seize the opportunity to play a direct role in shaping the quality standards in the Philippines.

This outreach program is part of PAB’s ongoing efforts to build partnerships with academic institutions. Following previous sessions held at De La Salle University and the University of Santo Tomas, the series will continue with future events aimed at furthering the collaboration between PAB and the academic sector. This event reaffirms PAB’s commitment to enhancing the role of academia in accreditation and in ensuring that Philippine industries operate at par with global standards.

Release Date: 26 September 2024.