Manila gives rapid tests to 135,000 residents without spending a single cent

The Manila City government was able to test more than 135,000 residents without having to spend a single centavo for rapid test kits.

This was bared by Mayor Francisco ‘Isko Moreno’ Domagoso during his second State of the City Address delivered before members of the Manila City Council on Thursday, July 2.

As of Thursday, July 2, Domagoso said about 135,048 Manila City residents have taken COVID-19 rapid tests from the city government.

All of the rapid test kits used by the Manila City government were donated or turned over by various offices and groups from the government and the private sector.

“I would like to thank our donors for our rapid testing kits. We have tested 135,048 individuals. Tayo ang isa sa pinakaagresibo na mag-test sa Pilipinas. Even our fellow Manileños in the provinces, we extended assistance to them,” he said.

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Domagoso said this is on top of the free swab tests provided by the Manila City government to suspected and probable COVID-19 patients in the nation’s capital.

The Mayor said about 14,162 Manila City residents have been swab tests by the local government.

"I will not lie with numbers, if we are doing bad, you must know so we can act responsibly. We have spent millions of pesos to give free swab testing in the City of Manila,” Domagoso said.

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The Manila City government recently opened its own COVID-19 Testing Laboratory at the Sta. Ana Hospital.

The laboratory was opened upon issuance of a license to operate from the Department of Health (DOH).

Domagoso said the laboratory is able to process 200 swab tests a day. The result of each swab test is concluded in three to four hours, according to Sta. Ana Hospital Director Dr. Grace Padilla.

Report via MPIO