DOST Ilocos Region - RSTL

𝐃𝐎𝐒𝐓 𝐈𝐥𝐨𝐜𝐨𝐬 𝐑𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐑𝐒𝐓𝐋 𝐇𝐨𝐬𝐭𝐬 𝐀𝐒𝐈𝐍 𝐂𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐟𝐟 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐋𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐲 𝐈𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐦
By: Engr. Carmela de Vera & Jairus Angelo V. Tanagon

To strengthen laboratory capabilities and support the advancement of the Philippine salt industry, the Department of Science and Technology Ilocos Region - Regional Standards and Testing Laboratory (DOST Ilocos Region RSTL) hosted a two-day laboratory immersion program for personnel of the Accelerating Salt Research and Innovation (ASIN) Center on May 27–28, 2026, at the DOST Ilocos Region office in the City of San Fernando, La Union.

The activity, made possible through the leadership and support of Regional Director Teresita A. Tabaog, aligns with the One in Accelerating Salt Innovations (OneASIN) a flagship initiative of Director Tabaog to advance the local salt industry and also in line with the Department of Science and Technology's Niche Centers in the Regions for Research and Development (NICER) Program for Salt. These initiatives aim to strengthen regional capacities in research, laboratory testing, and innovation, ultimately enhancing the competitiveness and sustainability of the Philippine salt industry.

The immersion program featured discussions, demonstrations, and hands-on training on key laboratory operations, including laboratory management systems, sample receiving and collection procedures, testing protocols and safety practices, chemical storage and waste management, and glassware and equipment maintenance.

RSTL personnel shared their expertise to support the ASIN Center’s efforts to strengthen its technical and operational capabilities. Ms. Lena C. Rosario, RCh, discussed laboratory management systems and accreditation requirements, while Mr. Hero D. Galamgam, PFT, facilitated a session on sample receiving procedures. Meanwhile, Mr. Jairus Angelo V. Tanagon, RCh, and Engr. Carmela T. de Vera, RChE, conducted laboratory analysis sessions for salt samples, demonstrating established testing methods and best laboratory practices.

Through the immersion program, ASIN Center personnel gained practical knowledge and hands-on experience that will contribute to the enhancement of laboratory operations and research activities in support of the salt industry. The activity also strengthened collaboration between DOST Ilocos Region RSTL and the ASIN Center, reinforcing their shared commitment to advancing research, innovation, and quality assurance initiatives for the continued development of the Philippine salt industry.

𝐏𝐔𝐁𝐋𝐈𝐂 𝐀𝐃𝐕𝐈𝐒𝐎𝐑𝐘 📣

Please be informed that the Department of Science and Technology Ilocos Region (DOST Ilocos Region) will implement a 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐤-𝐅𝐫𝐨𝐦-𝐇𝐨𝐦𝐞 (𝐖𝐅𝐇) 𝐀𝐫𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 on 𝐉𝐮𝐧𝐞 𝟏𝟏, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔 (𝐓𝐡𝐮𝐫𝐬𝐝𝐚𝐲) due to the scheduled fumigation at the DMMMSU Mid La Union Campus, City of San Fernando, La Union.

This arrangement is in support of health and safety protocols and aims to ensure minimal disruption to office operations during the fumigation period.

Please note that the Provincial Science and Technology Offices (PSTOs) under DOST Ilocos Region (𝐃𝐎𝐒𝐓 𝐈𝐥𝐨𝐜𝐨𝐬 𝐍𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐞, 𝐃𝐎𝐒𝐓 𝐈𝐥𝐨𝐜𝐨𝐬 𝐒𝐮𝐫, 𝐃𝐎𝐒𝐓 𝐋𝐚 𝐔𝐧𝐢𝐨𝐧, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐃𝐎𝐒𝐓 𝐏𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐚𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐧) will continue to operate under their regular 𝐟𝐚𝐜𝐞-𝐭𝐨-𝐟𝐚𝐜𝐞 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤 𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬.

For inquiries and concerns, you may contact us online through our official email, website, and page.

𝗣𝗨𝗕𝗟𝗜𝗖 𝗔𝗗𝗩𝗜𝗦𝗢𝗥𝗬 📣

Please be informed that from June 9 to 11, 2026, the Department of Science and Technology Ilocos Region (DOST Ilocos Region) and its Provincial Offices in Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, La Union, and Pangasinan will remain open to serve the public during the following office hours:

Office Hours:
𝗧𝘂𝗲𝘀𝗱𝗮𝘆 𝘁𝗼 𝗧𝗵𝘂𝗿𝘀𝗱𝗮𝘆 – 𝟴𝗔𝗠 𝘁𝗼 𝟱𝗣𝗠
𝗙𝗿𝗶𝗱𝗮𝘆, 𝗝𝘂𝗻𝗲 𝟭𝟮, 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲 – 𝗖𝗟𝗢𝗦𝗘𝗗 (𝗛𝗼𝗹𝗶𝗱𝗮𝘆 𝗶𝗻 𝗼𝗯𝘀𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗜𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗽𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗗𝗮𝘆)

For inquiries, concerns, or assistance, you may reach us through our official email, website, or page.

This public advisory remains in effect until further notice.

DOST Ilocos Norte
DOST Ilocos Sur
DOST La Union
DOST Pangasinan

📢 𝗔𝗗𝗩𝗜𝗦𝗢𝗥𝗬

Please be informed that effective 𝐉𝐮𝐧𝐞 𝟏, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔, the (DOST Ilocos Region) will now accept payments through Link.BizPortal via its official website.

Clients are encouraged to visit the payment page and follow the simple steps provided.

https://region1.dost.gov.ph/payments-thru-link-bizportal/

This new payment option provides a faster, more convenient, and more secure way of settling transactions with DOST Ilocos Region.

𝐑𝐒𝐓𝐋 𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐟𝐟𝐢𝐫𝐦𝐬 𝐐𝐮𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐫𝐝𝐬, 𝐒𝐮𝐜𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐟𝐮𝐥𝐥𝐲 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐈𝐒𝐎/𝐈𝐄𝐂 𝟏𝟕𝟎𝟐𝟓:𝟐𝟎𝟏𝟕 𝐀𝐮𝐝𝐢𝐭, 𝐒𝐞𝐜𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐀𝐜𝐜𝐫𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐑𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧
By: Lianne Kae J. Lazona and A***n Joy M. Soliman

Continuing its commitment to deliver reliable and high-quality laboratory services, the Department of Science and Technology Ilocos Region - Regional Standards and Testing Laboratory (DOST Ilocos Region - RSTL), through the leadership of Regional Director Teresita A. Tabaog and the supervision of Assistant Regional Director Decth-1180 P. Libunao, continues to sustain its International Organization for Standardization/International Electrotechnical Commission (ISO/IEC) 17025:2017 Accreditation for its Microbiological, Chemical, and Regional Metrology Laboratories (RML) through a three-day surveillance audit conducted by the Philippine Accreditation Bureau (PAB), held on April 28–30, 2026, at the DOST Ilocos Region Regional Office, City of San Fernando, La Union.

The audit was led by the PAB assessment team composed of five (5) assessors namely Ms. Florean Cunanan, team leader from Philippine Society for Microbiology, Ms. Leticia Pangilinan, team member from Phil MSTQ Inc., and the technical assessors, Mr. Emmanuel Hernandez formerly from San Miguel Brewery Inc., Mr. Arnie Despabiladeras from the Philippine Association of Food Technologists and Mr. Gerard Cruz from the Applied Calibration & Instrumentation System Inc.

Throughout the assessment, the RSTL demonstrated that it has established, documented, and consistently implements its laboratory management system for calibration, chemical, and biological testing in accordance with ISO/IEC 17025:2017 and reaffirmed the continued recommendation of the following as Philippine Accreditation Bureau (PAB) Approved Signatories, for Biological Testing, Mr. Hero D. Galamgam and Ms. Lianne Kae J. Lazona; for Chemical Testing, Ms. Lena C. Rosario; and for Calibration, Engr. Bernadine P. Suniega and Engr. Marlon R. Orpilla.

During the closing meeting, also present to oversee and support the audit was Ms. Racquel M. Espiritu, Assistant Regional Director for Technical Operations Services, who likewise expressed support for the laboratory’s continued commitment to maintaining compliance with international quality standards and strengthening its service delivery.

With this meaningful milestone, the DOST Ilocos Region through the RSTL continues to move forward with a clear focus on quality and service. By consistently improving its systems and investing in its people, the laboratory ensures that industries, partners, and communities can rely on results that are not only precise, but also responsive to real-world needs.

𝐏𝐔𝐁𝐋𝐈𝐂 𝐒𝐄𝐑𝐕𝐈𝐂𝐄 𝐀𝐍𝐍𝐎𝐔𝐍𝐂𝐄𝐌𝐄𝐍𝐓!

To our valued mga ka-agham! In observance of the Holy Week, please be guided on the following schedule of 𝗗𝗢𝗦𝗧 𝗜𝗹𝗼𝗰𝗼𝘀 𝗥𝗲𝗴𝗶𝗼𝗻 and its provincial offices in 𝗣𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗮𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗻, 𝗟𝗮 𝗨𝗻𝗶𝗼𝗻, 𝗜𝗹𝗼𝗰𝗼𝘀 𝗦𝘂𝗿, and 𝗜𝗹𝗼𝗰𝗼𝘀 𝗡𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗲:

• 𝗔𝗽𝗿𝗶𝗹 𝟭, 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲 – Flexible work-from-home arrangement (8:00 AM to 12:00 NN)

• 𝗔𝗽𝗿𝗶𝗹 𝟭 to 𝟯, 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲 – Suspension of face-to-face transactions

𝗥𝗲𝗴𝘂𝗹𝗮𝗿 𝗼𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 will resume on 𝗔𝗽𝗿𝗶𝗹 𝟲, 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲 (𝗠𝗼𝗻𝗱𝗮𝘆). We encourage all clients to plan their transactions accordingly. Thank you for your kind understanding and continued support.

On behalf of the entire 𝗗𝗢𝗦𝗧𝗢𝗻𝗲𝗦𝗖𝗜𝗚𝗟𝗔𝗧 𝗙𝗮𝗺𝗶𝗹𝘆, we wish and pray for a peaceful and meaningful Holy Week for everyone.