To make Saliva RT-PCR testing more accessible, the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) partnered with SM Supermalls (SCMC) as they opened drive-thru saliva RT-PCR collection sites in SM megamall and SM Mall of Asia.
A ceremonial signing of the memorandum of agreement was held attended by PRC Chairman and CEO Senator Dick Gordon, PRC Secretary General Elizabeth Zavalla, SM Supermalls President Steven Tan, Senior Vice President for Operations Bien Mateo, and other executives from PRC and SCMC.
The two collection sites are located in SM Megamall, Mega A bus bay and at the 5 Ecom Open Parking in Mall of Asia.
PRC will have its first two collection sites located in SM Megamall, Mega A bus bay at EDSA Mandaluyong, and at the 5 Ecom Open Parking in Mall of Asia, Pasay City.
The said locations will only serve as specimen collection sites for the saliva RT-PCR test and these samples will be forwarded to the Red Cross laboratories for testing.
“Even if the vaccines arrive, it is still important to conduct tests in the fight against COVID-19.”
“Kahit dumating na ang bakuna, importante pa rin ang pag-tetest para labanan ang COVID-19. kaya gumagawa ang PRC ng paraan upang mapadali at mapabilis ang pag-tetest sa ating mga kababayan. We are heading towards nationwide Saliva RT-PCR testing to help industries and schools open in this new normal,” Gordon said.
PRC will start to roll out the Saliva RT-PCR testing nationwide as chapters that will serve as saliva sample collecting stations undergo training to ensure the safety of the collecting personnel and the quality of collected samples. This will give more Filipinos easier access to cheaper, faster, and non-invasive tests for COVID-19.
The saliva test offered by Red Cross, just like the swab test, is also RT-PCR based which is considered by the World Health Organization as the gold standard in testing for COVID-19.
It has been approved by the Department of Health after going through thorough study and research by the University of Illinois and the University of the Philippines.