The Philippine Academy of Microbiology, Inc. (PAM) is a non-profit, non-stock, professional organization duly registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The Academy shall act as the certification arm of the Philippine Society for Microbiology, Inc. or PSM. Applicants to PAM certification are assessed primarily by the Certification Board. The duties of PAM such as certification, recertification, and suspension or withdrawal of the certification are provided for in the following objectives:
- To develop and maintain a high standard of practice in the field of Microbiology;
- To certify microbiologists according to the defined standards and qualification requirements which may include written and/or oral examination.
The Philippine Academy of Microbiology (PAM), a legal entity, is a professional organization responsible for activities leading to the certification of Registered Microbiologists. PAM will therefore ensure that in all its dealings with applicants and potential applicants, its members involved in the certification activity will remain impartial and not allow commercial, financial or other pressures to compromise impartiality.
The Council of Reagents (COR) including the Certification Board (CBd), Board of Examiners (BOE) and Continuing Development Committee (CPD) understand the importance of impartiality in carrying out its certification activities, manage conflict of interest and ensure the objectivity of its certification activity. Impartiality can be demonstrated following the established principals.
- Members of COR, CBd, CPD and BOE sign a non-disclosure agreement to specify confidentiality and commitment to impartiality.
- To ensure that PAM acts impartially, procedures for certification of persons are fair among all applicants, candidates and certified persons. Certification is not restricted on the grounds of undue financial or other limiting conditions, such as membership of an association or group. The certification body does not use procedures to unfairly impede or inhibit access by applicants and candidates.
- PAM does not provide review sessions related to the certification activity.
- PAM identifies all risks to impartiality arising from change in members and assigning responsibilities of the certification bodies and from the certification activities. Controls are in place for any significant risk identified. Balanced involvement of interested parties is considered and included.
- In upholding its commitment to maintaining the highest level of impartiality and objectivity in its practices,
PAM will not form relationships with companies who offer consultancy and other services that can be construed as having an impact on the certification services. Any proposed relationship between PAM and other organizations will undergo a risk assessment prior to the relationship being formalized. - PAM takes appropriate legal action to respond to any risk to its impartiality, arising from the actions of the members of the certification bodies of which it becomes aware.
- PAM Impartiality Policy and Public Statement is posted in the office and available at the PAM website.
- The Impartiality Policy and Public Statement is reviewed at least once a year for continual applicability.