The Bureau of Product Standards (BPS), the national standards body of the Philippines, continues to effectively use ASTM International standards in the development of national standards, according to its annual report to ASTM.  ASTM and BPS signed a memorandum of understanding in 2003.

BPS, which is a governmental agency under the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), formulates Philippine national standards for industries including food, building and construction, electrical and electronic products, and chemical and consumer products.  Over the last year, 14 ASTM International standards have been adopted as Philippine national standards. The adopted standards come from various ASTM committees, including C24 on Building Seals and Sealants, D01 on Paint and Related Coatings, Materials and Applications, D07 on Wood and D14 on Adhesives. Thirty-five technical and standards experts from the Philippines are members of ASTM International.

Jesus Motoomull, director of the DTI Bureau of Product Standards, believes the partnership    between ASTM International and BPS has been beneficial to the development of Philippine national standards. “It is imperative for the Philippines to have relevant, valid and available reference materials for its review and amendments of its standards, particularly on adhesives, paints and coatings, sealants and wood. This is assured by the strong relationship between DTI-BPS and ASTM,” says Motoomull.

Initiated in 2001, ASTM International's MOU program promotes communication between ASTM International and national standards bodies worldwide, fostering awareness of the standardization systems of all parties involved. The purpose of the program is to increase greater worldwide participation in the ASTM standard development process and facilitate the development of national standards that will aid health, safety, environmental and economic conditions. More information on the ASTM International MOU program can be found on the ASTM Web site (www.astm.org/GLOBAL).

Release #8161/Jan09