Private Sector Supports COVID-19 Response with Pooled PCR Testing

Strategic Insights -

As the Philippines struggles with its COVID-19 case count breaching 100,000, the private sector is stepping up to support the government's efforts through a more localized and data-driven approach. Presidential Adviser for Entrepreneurship and Go Negosyo founder Joey Concepcion emphasized the importance of respecting the decision of President Duterte to place Metro Manila and nearby areas under Modified Enhanced Community Quarantine (MECQ) while looking for ways to mitigate the economic impact. Concepcion explained that the private sector understands the plight of the medical frontliners and is committed to supporting them with all means available.

Key Takeaways:

  • The private sector, led by Concepcion, will launch pooled PCR testing before August 15 to increase testing visibility and speed up the process, making it cheaper at ₱450 per person in pools of 5s, ₱350 per person in pools of 10s, and ₱250 per person in pools of 20s.
  • Pooled PCR testing will help identify high infection areas, enabling targeted lockdowns and reducing the economic impact on the country.
  • Concepcion and Chief Implementor Janette Garin emphasize the need for a more granular lockdown approach, focusing on targeted barangays or local clusters with high infection rates, rather than imposing a broad lockdown.
  • The private sector will fund the pooled PCR initial testing in 16 cities and 1 municipality in the NCR for about ₱160,000, covering 16,000 pooled PCR tests.
  • The initiative will prioritize swabbing and testing healthcare workers and other frontliners to ensure their safety and enable them to continue performing their critical roles.
  • The proposed costing mechanism will bring down the cost of testing, making it more affordable and accessible to the general public.
  • The implementation sites for pooled testing will include 11 Go Negosyo-supported laboratories and 15 sites from San Miguel Foundation and Ayala Foundation, respectively.

Statistics:

  • 100,000: The number of COVID-19 cases in the Philippines as of the announcement.
  • 16,000: The number of pooled PCR tests to be conducted, covering 16 cities and 1 municipality in the NCR.
  • ₱160,000: The estimated funding for the pooled PCR initial testing by the private sector.
  • ₱450, ₱350, ₱250: The costs of pooled PCR testing per person in pools of 5s, 10s, and 20s, respectively.
  • ₱150: The swabbing fee with VTM included in the testing cost.
  • 2 weeks: The duration of the MECQ implemented in Metro Manila and nearby areas.
  • 21 implementation sites: The number of sites where pooled PCR testing will be piloted, including 11 Go Negosyo-supported laboratories and 10 sites from San Miguel Foundation and Ayala Foundation, respectively.

Sources:

  • Manila Bulletin File Photo
  • Presidential Adviser for Entrepreneurship and Go Negosyo founder Joey Concepcion
  • Private Sector Chief Implementor Janette Garin