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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider UP, Manila HealthTek ink deal to commercialize sexual assault investigation kit

UP, Manila HealthTek ink deal to commercialize sexual assault investigation kit

Published May 30, 2026 02:08 pm
FORENSIC INNOVATION — Officials from the University of the Philippines Diliman (UPD), the UP DNA Analysis Laboratory, and Manila HealthTek Inc. formalize the commercial licensing agreement for the production of the Sexual Assault Investigation Kit (SAI.Kit) on May 19. From left are Manila HealthTek Inc. Chief Administrative Officer Lemuel Petronio, DNA Analysis Laboratory Head Maria Corazon de Ungria, Manila HealthTek Inc. Founder and CEO Raul Destura, UPD Chancellor Edgardo Carlo Vistan II, NSRI Director Elmer Estacio, and UPD Technology Transfer and Business Development Office Director Magdaleno Vasquez Jr. (CONTRIBUTED PHOTO)
FORENSIC INNOVATION — Officials from the University of the Philippines Diliman (UPD), the UP DNA Analysis Laboratory, and Manila HealthTek Inc. formalize the commercial licensing agreement for the production of the Sexual Assault Investigation Kit (SAI.Kit) on May 19. From left are Manila HealthTek Inc. Chief Administrative Officer Lemuel Petronio, DNA Analysis Laboratory Head Maria Corazon de Ungria, Manila HealthTek Inc. Founder and CEO Raul Destura, UPD Chancellor Edgardo Carlo Vistan II, NSRI Director Elmer Estacio, and UPD Technology Transfer and Business Development Office Director Magdaleno Vasquez Jr. (CONTRIBUTED PHOTO)
The DNA Analysis Laboratory of the Natural Sciences Research Institute (NSRI) at the University of the Philippines (UP) Diliman and Manila HealthTek Inc. have signed a commercial licensing agreement for the production of a locally developed sexual assault investigation kit designed to support the collection, handling, and preservation of forensic evidence in sexual assault cases.
The agreement, signed on May 19, covers the commercialization of the Sexual Assault Investigation Kit (SAI.Kit), which was developed to support the proper collection, handling, and preservation of forensic evidence, including DNA samples.
According to the project proponents, the kit provides doctors with standardized and quality-controlled tools that support the care of victim-survivors while helping ensure that evidentiary samples are properly collected and preserved for forensic and legal purposes.
The development of SAI.Kit resulted from collaboration among the UP DNA Analysis Laboratory, the Child Protection Network, and Dr. Raul V. Destura of Manila HealthTek, with support from the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), particularly the Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (PCHRD), and the University of the Philippines.
The signing ceremony also marked the formal introduction of the commercial version of the kit for broader institutional use.
The event coincided with the 30th foundation anniversary of the UP DNA Analysis Laboratory, marking three decades of advancing forensic DNA science in the service of justice and public welfare.
Among those who attended the signing and official product launch were DOST Secretary Renato Solidum Jr.; Department of Health Women’s and Men’s Health Division Chief Ann Ysabel Andres, representing Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa; and Department of the Interior and Local Government-National Capital Region Director Maria Lourdes Agustin, representing Interior Secretary Juanito Victor Remulla.
Also present were Department of Social Welfare and Development Assistant Secretary Ada Colico, representing Social Welfare Secretary Rex Gatchalian; and Department of Justice Undersecretary Margarita Gutierrez, representing Justice Secretary Fredderick Vida.

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UP Manila HealthTek ink deal to commercialize sexual assault investigation kit DNA
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