Makati to pilot pooled COVID-19 testing for 10,000 workers

Makati City will pilot the Philippines' pooled RT-PCR testing initiative for COVID-19 starting August 15, prioritizing 10,000 workers including market vendors and public utility vehicle drivers.

Mayor Abigail Binay explained that under the pooled PCR testing method, swab samples will be collected from a pool of individuals, with the pool size potentially decreasing if many positive cases are detected.

The city was chosen as the pilot site for the program developed by Project ARK of PLDT Enterprise and GoNegosyo, with BDO Foundation also a key partner.

A memorandum of agreement was signed on August 5 with the Philippine Children's Medical Center, Philippine Center for Entrepreneurship, and BDO Foundation.

The Makati City government is shouldering half of the P5 million cost, amounting to P2.5 million, with private sector partners contributing the other half.

Presidential Adviser for Entrepreneurship Joey Concepcion views pooled testing as a game-changer that can lower RT-PCR testing costs and improve the efficiency of public health screening.

If successful, Makati City Mayor Binay stated the pooled testing could be replicated in other cities.