Project ARK, QC gov't conduct 4,141 rapid tests

Project ARK, in collaboration with Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte, has successfully conducted 4,141 rapid tests, with results indicating a significant number of individuals showing signs of previous exposure to the virus.

The rapid tests were made possible through donations from private sector partners, including GT Capital, Wilcon Depot, RFM Corporation, and the Federation of Filipino Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Inc (FFCCCII).

Of the individuals tested, 642 were IgG-positive, suggesting they had recovered from the virus and developed antibodies.

Additionally, 20 tested IgM-positive, 137 were positive for both IgG/IgM, and 30 presented with symptoms, leading to 186 individuals being referred for confirmatory RT-PCR testing.

Joey Concepcion, Presidential Adviser for Entrepreneurship and Go Negosyo founder, emphasized that targeted mass testing, whether through rapid kits or RT-PCR, is crucial for safely reopening the economy by providing better visibility of the virus's spread.

Project ARK plans to extend its testing initiatives to other cities within Metro Manila and surrounding provinces, continuing its partnership with local government units.

Mayor Belmonte highlighted the importance of rapid testing as a screening tool to identify individuals who should undergo the more expensive RT-PCR tests.

Project ARK aims to increase both rapid and RT-PCR testing capacity nationwide by uniting various private companies and business conglomerates.

The initiative has generated over 1.2 million rapid test kits from nearly 300 companies and has conducted close to 30,000 tests across multiple cities in Metro Manila.

The project's community-based testing, or bayanihan initiative, encourages companies to support the voluntary testing of barangay residents to ensure workplace safety and broader community health.