ILOILO City Government got a go signal for the establishment of its own testing laboratory in July in an effort to contain the spread of coronavirus.

This came after representatives from Department of Health (DOH), Research Institute for Tropical Medicine (RITM) and World Health Organization (WHO) inspected May 22 the proposed location of Iloilo City's Covid Laboratory and Dormitory in Molo district.

"They are really okay with the site. They want it completed soon. They are very happy of the city's initiative," Mayor Jerry Treñas said as to the assessment of site visit.

The laboratory will be situated at the old property of City Agriculturist's Office along MH del Pilar Street in Molo.

"We have started procuring PCR machines and equipment. We expect the detailed plan this week and bidding process of construction works by next week. We want to fast-track the opening of laboratory for city residents," he added.

Treñas said the new facility will boost capacity to manage cases.

He noted the machine is also capable of testing dengue and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).

Some P15 million was initially allotted for the testing center project.

The details were presented at City Hall May 15 by Arch. Regi Gregorio and Arch. Jun Balinas from City Engineer's Office. (PR)