The Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-PCAARRD) has once again proven its commitment to quality and excellence, as it was recommended for continued certification to ISO 9001:2015 following the Council’s first surveillance audit under the 2024-2026 cycle.The SOCOTEC Certification Philippines, Inc. conducted the audit on August 27, 2025.
ISO 9001:2015 is a globally recognized standard for implementing quality management systems (QMS). It emphasizes continuous improvement to meet customer expectations and comply with applicable regulatory requirements. Surveillance audits are conducted to ensure that organizations consistently adhere to these standards between recertification audits.
During the evaluation, the SOCOTEC team recognized DOST-PCAARRD’s effective and consistent implementation of its QMS. In particular, auditors commended the Council’s top management for its proactive leadership, demonstrating strong involvement in identifying and addressing internal and external issues, regularly reviewing established controls, and ensuring compliance with mandatory requirements for public institutions such as the Citizen’s Charter, Anti-Red Tape Authority directives, and Freedom of Information (FOI) regulations. The Council’s timely responses to client inquiries and complaints also contributed to the high satisfaction ratings reflected in customer feedback.
The audit further confirmed that DOST-PCAARRD’s documented processes are effectively applied across the divisions, including the Inland Aquatic Resources, Livestock, and Agricultural Resource Management and Research Divisions, Institution Development Division, and Finance and Administrative Division-Personnel Section (FAD-PS). Objective evidence gathered by auditors showed that the Council’s internal audit activities fully conform to the requirements of Clause 9.2.2 of the ISO 9001:2015 standards.
Notably, the external auditors reported zero non-conformities, a clear indication of DOST-PCAARRD’s strong QMS implementation. They encouraged the Council to sustain and build on its gains by continuing to strengthen accountability across its units and advancing its improvement initiatives.