Question & AnswerQ&A (EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 802)
The PAO is the national accreditation body attached to the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) tasked to accredit inspection, testing, certifying bodies, and other conformity assessment services needed by the Philippines.
The PAO is recognized and strengthened pursuant to Section 13 of Republic Act No. 9236, also known as the National Metrology Act of 2003.
The PAO Council gives policy advice and provides guidance to the PAO. It is chaired by the Secretary of the Department of Trade and Industry and has ten members from government and private sectors.
The Council has seven government representatives who are heads (at least Undersecretaries) of DOST, DOH, DA, DENR, DPWH, DOE, and DND, and three private sector members appointed by the President from trade associations, quality foundations, exporters confederation, professional groups, or academe.
The DTI acts as the PAO Council Secretariat, ensuring coordination among Council members and implementation of centralized facilitation and processing of accreditations.
Funding for the PAO shall be included in the DTI's annual appropriations. Government entities seeking accreditation for international recognition must provide their own funds for the accreditation.
These laboratories have one year from the effective date of the EO to seek accreditation from the PAO according to applicable international standards.
The PAO is expected to comply with ISO/IEC 17011:2004, which specifies requirements for accreditation bodies.
The EO took effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in a national newspaper of general circulation.
Any prior executive orders, rules, regulations, or issuances inconsistent with EO No. 802 are revoked, amended, or modified accordingly.