TOLOSA, Leyte — Eastern Visayas is set to strengthen its disease surveillance and diagnostic capacity with the construction of a P900-million sub-national reference laboratory of the Department of Health (DOH) in this town, a project seen to significantly reduce the region’s dependence on testing facilities in Metro Manila and Cebu.
The facility, to be known as the DOH Sub-National Reference Laboratory – Eastern Visayas, will be built on a local government–acquired lot in Barangay Telegrafo with a land area of more than 600 square meters.
Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa led the groundbreaking ceremony, highlighting the laboratory’s role in faster confirmation of bacterial and viral diseases, especially during outbreaks.
“This will not only help during confirmatory testing of samples during outbreaks but also address day-to-day needs, such as testing for safe and potable water,” Herbosa said.
He added that the funding and construction of the facility form part of the government’s commitment to fully implement the Universal Health Care (UHC) program, which aims to ensure that all Filipinos have access to quality and timely health services.
Although the laboratory will not treat patients, Herbosa stressed that its impact on public health will be substantial.
“This facility will have limited on-site activity, handling only samples and producing results rather than treating patients, yet it will have a significant impact on the community,” he said.
DOH officials noted that aside from disease testing, the laboratory may also be used for water testing to help prevent water-borne diseases and possible outbreaks by ensuring the safety of drinking water.
Mayor Erwin Ocaña welcomed the project, saying the laboratory will benefit not only Tolosa but also neighboring municipalities. He added that water-refilling station operators and local government units in nearby towns are expected to take advantage of the facility’s services.
According to the DOH, the regional laboratory is targeted for completion within three years. It will include a one-storey infectious laboratory building, a three-storey non-infectious laboratory and administration building, as well as support facilities such as a wastewater and sewage treatment system, waste holding area, cistern tank, and pump house.
(ROEL T. AMAZONA)
