The World Health Organization (WHO) donated on Tuesday, Oct 12, a total of 1,500 Abbott Panbio coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) Ag Rapid Antigen Test Kits to the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology-National Capital Region (BJMP-NCR).
Dr. Rabindra Abeyasinghe, WHO Representative to the Philippines, personally handed the rapid test kit donations to BJMP-NCR Director Chief Superintendent Luisito C Muñoz.
“The donated rapid test kits will help the BJMPRO-NCR in maintaining regular conduct of rapid testing of its personnel,’’ the BJMP-NCR said in a statement.
Muñoz noted that the test kits will be utilized for personnel doing jail inspections and ‘Greyhound Operations’’ which is part of the security measures being implemented in the jails of the region.
“We are always mindful of the health and safety of our PDL and personnel whenever we visit the jails for security inspection and during conduct of Greyhound Operations,’’ Muñoz said.
“The conduct of testing among personnel before their entry in our jails is one of the preventive measures of the region against COVID-19,’’ he added.
Recently, the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) awarded the BJMP NCR Regional Office with the “Safety Seal Certification’’ for its compliance with the standard health protocols in its workplace.
In his congratulatory message to Muñoz, BJMP chief Jail Director Allan Iral stressed the value of cooperation and coordination in promoting health and safety in the workplace.
“We must work together to ensure that everyone in our respective offices is safe from contracting the virus’’, Iral said. (Chito A. Chavez)