Creation and Composition of the PAO Council
- PAO Council is established to provide policy advice and guidance to the PAO.
- Chaired by the Secretary of the Department of Trade and Industry.
- Comprises ten members: seven government sector representatives and three private sector appointees.
- Government representatives must be heads or authorized representatives (at minimum Undersecretary level) from the following agencies:
- Department of Science and Technology
- Department of Health
- Department of Agriculture
- Department of Environment and Natural Resources
- Department of Public Works and Highways
- Department of Energy
- Department of National Defense
- Private sector members appointed by the President from various associations or groups including trade or industry associations, quality and safety foundations, exporters' confederations, professional associations, or academe.
- Council has authority to create Advisory Committees to involve other stakeholders in accreditation policy formulation.
Secretariat and Coordination Functions of the DTI
- The Department of Trade and Industry acts as the Secretariat of the PAO Council.
- Responsible for coordinating Council members and facilitating the centralized processing and release of accreditations.
Funding and Financial Provisions
- PAO's funding requirements are incorporated into the DTI's annual budget appropriations.
- Government entities seeking accreditation from PAO for international recognition are required to provide funds for this purpose.
Transition Period for Previously Accredited Laboratories
- Laboratories accredited by other government agencies are given a one-year period from the effective date of the Order to secure PAO accreditation based on applicable international standards.
Repeal and Amendment of Inconsistent Issuances
- All executive orders, rules, regulations, and other issuances inconsistent with this Order are repealed, amended, or modified to conform with its provisions.
Effectivity of the Order
- The Order takes effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in a national newspaper of general circulation.