The private sector-led Project ARK (Antibody Rapid Test Kit) is set to implement its pooled reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) testing among the Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs), workers in construction, and in the business process outsourcing (BPO) sectors by end of July, Iloilo 1st district Rep. and ARK-PCR Private Sector Chief Implementer Janette Garin said on Tuesday, July 14.
During the GoNegosyo-initiated "Balik Kabuhayan" webinar, the former secretary of the Department of Health (DOH) said that the Project ARK PCR initiative has been successful in reducing the cost of PCR testing to a range of from 1,500 to 2,000 pesos per test.
"However there is a need for futher reduction to around P350 to P375 and the target for this implementation is end of July via pooled testing mechanism," Garin said.
She explained that they would be implementing the initiative for the return to work program and the specific populations and local government units (LGUs) in coordination with the selected foundations.
"We cannot speak in behalf of the DOH but I am very sure they will be supportive and they will fast track the approval and cascading among government hospitals," Garin said.
She said the initial targets of application for pooled testing are the OFWs, the BPOs, supermarkets, and construction workers.
She noted the areas that will be covered by the pooled PCR testing are Makati, Mandaluying, Cebu, and Zamboanga.
She said the House of Representatives will also be part of the PCR testing initiative.
"A baseline PCR testing is recommended among the vulnerable workplaces to update everybody," Garin said.
"A retest is recommended once an employee displays symptoms, but a regular testing on a monthly basis will be quite expensive and it will be taxing on the part of our laboratories. This will also allow targeted and selective quarantine measures in the workplace," she explained.
Garin said the intention of the pooled PCR testing is "to allow us to balance public health and economy."
"We cannot afford a second lockdown and reducing the workload on our laboratories' staff is of paramount importance at this point in time. It will also give LGUs and businesses a better and clearer direction and will allow us, most importantly, to sustain the gains of initial lockdown," she said.
"It is only in testing that we can fill the gap in making social distancing, hygiene practices, and other new normal behaviors more effective," she added.