by Nenito S. Toledo, IAAS web content contributor

PANABO CITY – The Professional Regulatory Board of Chemistry (BOC), spearheaded by Hon. Chair Adoracion P. Resurreccion, conducted an inspection at Davao del Norte State College for its application for the Certificate of Authority to Operate (CATO) of its Natural Sciences Central Laboratory on April 22, 2024.

The inspection was part of the requirements to legalize the operation of the laboratory and to allow it to transition as a commercialized testing provider in the future. Dr. Resurreccion was accompanied by BOC member, Hon. Ma. Theresa C. Cayton, and representative of the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) Region XI, Mr. Manuel Tapere.

The objectives of the laboratory include (1) help and support industries, farmers, and government organizations through technical and analytical services, (2) cater to the testing needs required for business establishments, (3) provide technical support to the students in the academe in their experimental studies, (4) establish a competent laboratory and be recognized based on ISO 17025 standard for laboratory competence, and (5) provide and supply testing services at a very reasonable cost yet utilizing reliable methods.

The DNSC delegation was comprised of Mr. Nenito S. Toledo, head of laboratory and licensed chemist, Ms. Rezelle B. Sobradil, laboratory in-charge for academics, Mr. Edison C. Molina, safety officer, Dr. Liezel T. Esprela, program chair of the Bachelor of Science in Food Technology (BSFT), Dr. Rosie Lynn P. Tejada, Dean of the Institute of Aquatic and Applied Sciences (IAAS), and Dr. Girley S. Gumanao, Vice President for Academic Affairs (VPAA).

The BOC cited several observations and shared their technical knowledge and advice to help DNSC realize the lab’s potential and fulfill its mission and vision. In response, the DNSC management expressed commitment to act on the observations and continue working on the application.