The Department of Science & Technology Regional Office No. 02 at Tuguegarao City, Cagayan, including its five (5) Provincial Science & Technology Centers       (PSTCs) was awarded by the Certification International Philippines Inc.  (CIPI)  ISO 9001:2000 certificate recognizing that the Regional Office and the five Provincial Centers located at Cagayan, Isabela, Quirino, Nueva Vizcaya and Batanes provinces operate a Quality Management System conforming to international standards.

JHFJDHFJBFBDFHB

DOST RO2 in its aim to deliver quality and relevant S&T services to its customers has applied for an ISO accreditation and started working on the requirements in 2008. Dr. Urdujah A. Tejada, DOST RO2 Regional Director had seen its importance and accepted the challenges that go hand-in-hand in meeting the documentation requirements. The DOST-Metals Industry Research and Development Center provided technical assistance and guidance in fulfilling the requirements for accreditation.

CIPI is an overseas office of CI (UK) Limited, an international certification body based in Swindon, Wiltshire, United Kingdom that specializes in providing independent and accredited certification to organizations throughout the world. It has offices in 24 countries and 26 key cities. In the Philippines, Mr. Renato V. Navarette serves as the Managing Director.

The awarding ceremony was held last March 20, 2008 at Baua Beach Resort, Gonzaga, Cagayan coinciding with the Joint Meeting of the Cagayan Valley Industry and Energy Research and Development (CVIERDEC) and the Cagayan Valley Health Research and Development Authority (CVHRDC). The certificates were awarded by Engr. Arthur Lucas Cruz, Officer-In-Charge, Office of the Executive Director, and Engr. Evelyn E. Gallardo, Supervising Administrative Officer, both from DOST-MIRDC.

Being awarded with the certification will boost the reputation of DOST RO2 as a government agency compliant with international standards. DOST RO2 will continue to improve its office’s management systems and processes to effectively satisfy customer needs since ISO provides mechanisms for systems improvement in the overall regional operations. # (Victoria B. Mabborang)