With the capacity to conduct 2,000 tests per day, the Philippine Red Cross officially opens the doors of its 20th laboratory in the country and the first in Mindanao located at the Pettitt Barracks, Zamboanga City.
“It is our responsibility to get ourselves tested for COVID19, you can literally kill others if you are a carrier of the virus. Getting yourself tested and taking care of yourself is tantamount to taking care of your loved ones and others in your community,” PRC Chairman and CEO, Sen. Richard Gordon stresses the importance of Red Cross molecular laboratories in the country’s fight against the deadly virus. Strategically located, it also aims to receive samples for testing from nearby provinces including BaSulTa (Basilan, Sulu, Tawi-Tawi), the Zamboanga Peninsula, Dapitan, Dipolog and Pagadian.
Supported by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), the Zamboanga City molecular laboratory contains state of the art equipment for testing including 1 RNA extractor, 2 PCR machines, 2 biosafety cabinets and 3 biomedical freezers.
The Philippine Red Cross has been in the lead of many humanitarian activities in Zamboanga City including the Zamboanga Siege last September 9, 2013 wherein it was able to give assistance to more than 100,000 individuals affected by the conflict.
In response to the COVID19 pandemic, the Zamboanga City Chapter is also giving support to Filipino returnees from Sabah, Malaysia since June 30, 2020 through distribution of hot meals, hygiene essentials and by giving psychosocial support.
“Today, on my mother’s 101st birthday, we inaugurated the 20th Molecular Laboratory of the Philippine Red Cross located at Pettitt Barracks, Zamboanga City. It is equipped with two (2) PCR machines and one (1) RNA extractor and has a capacity of 2,000 tests per day. This will not only test people in Zamboanga City, but the whole Zamboanga Peninsula and nearby provinces, including BASULTA, Dapitan, Dipolog, Isabela and Pagadian.
“We cannot beat this invisible enemy unless we unmask it and we can only do that by testing our people. Through this, we will now have our own defense against COVID-19.” We thank all the tireless staff and volunteers led by our Chapter Administrator Joseline Fernandez and the ICRC for making this happen. I am truly proud of you all.” PRC chairman Gordon said.
