DOST pushes ISO certification for testing labs in Western Visayas

By Erwin Nicavera

April 22, 2019, 9:00 pm

BACOLOD CITY -- The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) is working to assist at least five laboratories in Western Visayas in acquiring International Organization for Standardization (ISO) certification in the next three years.

DOST-6 Regional Director Rowen Gelonga said in a statement on Monday that only two government laboratories, including their own, are ISO-certified in the region.

The other is that of Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR)-6, which was recently accredited.

“Most government laboratories cannot acquire ISO certification mainly because of the rigid requirements,” he said.

Gelonga said that ISO certification is very critical because it is the only way to assure clients that the testing services provided to them are accurate.

“If laboratories do not comply with data requirement, they cannot give the clients the highest possible level of accuracy results. Laboratories whether government or private must have a quality management system,” he added.

The DOST-6 operates its laboratory based on ISO/IEC 17025: 2005 or “General Requirements for the Competence of Testing and Calibration Laboratories”.

“Our intention is to make testing a viable industry in the region,” Gelonga said.

He noted that the DOST-6 is conducting activities to meet its target of at least five ISO-certified laboratories in the region in the next two to three years.

They are also assisting other public laboratories by coming up with capability-building activities so they can also acquire certification, he added.

Gelonga said they are encouraging other laboratories like those of Department of Environment and Natural Resources, University of the Philippines-Visayas, and Southeast Asian Fisheries Development Center to seek ISO accreditation. (PNA)

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