Bulacan prepares mass testing at Philippine Arena

Governor Daniel R. Fernando led a briefing and inspection of the mass swabbing facilities at the Philippine Arena Complex in Bulacan, in preparation for the province's mass testing initiative.

The 'We Heal As One' center at the Philippine Arena is set to begin operations on Wednesday, initially prioritizing returning Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs).

The facility is equipped with six tents, each containing 16 testing booths, serving as a counterpart to the Bulacan Infection Control Center at the Bulacan Medical Center.

Medical personnel from the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the provincial government of Bulacan will manage the operations at the Philippine Arena facility.

Governor Fernando had previously urged the Department of Health (DOH) to accelerate the deployment of swabbing facilities in affected regions, highlighting the importance of testing capacity in combating COVID-19.

He stressed the need for swift action, stating that faster testing would provide local governments with a clearer understanding of infection rates and enable more effective responses.