The Department of Trade and Industry’s Bureau of Competitive Development (DTI-BCD) recently concluded a comprehensive series of development programs designed to sharpen the skills of Philippine Quality Award (PQA) assessors.
The back-to-back initiatives ensure rigorous, high-quality, and consistent evaluations for local organizations working toward world-class performance.
The competency-building series kicked off on June 3, 2026, with the PQA Assessors Refresher Course. Catering to both new and returning assessors, the session provided critical updates on the PQA framework and evaluation processes.
“Assessors play a vital role in advancing quality excellence across organizations, serving as catalysts for national competitiveness,” emphasized Ma. Sheryl R. Santos, Chief of the DTI National Quality and Competitiveness Division, during her welcoming remarks.
Following the refresher, DTI-BCD hosted a intensive three-day PQA Assessors Calibration Workshop on June 4, 5, and 8, 2026. The event convened over 70 assessors from across the country to standardize evaluation practices. DTI-BCD Director Lilian G. Salonga and Assistant Director Jo-Dann Darong both underscored that maintaining unified assessment standards is paramount to upholding the integrity, transparency, and credibility of the PQA program.
To ensure that organizational excellence aligns with the country’s broader economic goals, this year’s workshop integrated key insights into national development priorities:
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The Tatak Pinoy (Proudly Filipino) Act: Discussed by Ronald D. Ditablan of the Tatak Pinoy Council Secretariat to align assessments with industrialization and global competitiveness strategies.
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The Philippine MSME Development Landscape: Presented by Kenneth Francis A. Fernandez of the Bureau of Small and Medium Enterprise Development (BSMED) to contextualize the challenges and opportunities facing local small and medium enterprises.
Industry expert Engr. Angelica Fraginal served as the lead resource person for both events. Throughout the week, she guided participants through a modern and rigorous curriculum, which featured:
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Deep dives into PQA Criteria and Core Values.
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The integration and ethical use of AI tools in modern auditing.
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Advanced methodology for process and results evaluation.
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Best practices for site visits, Board of Judges presentations, and high-impact feedback report preparation.
The successful execution of these programs reaffirms DTI-BCD’s unwavering commitment to cultivating a highly competent, future-ready pool of assessors. Through their expertise, the DTI continues to champion organizational excellence, innovation, and international competitiveness across all sectors in the Philippines.
