University of the Philippines (UP) Mindanao and the Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC), represented by chancellor Prof. Larry Digal, PhD, and medical center chief Dr. Leopoldo Vega, respectively, signed a Memorandum of Agreement for a joint intensive training program on SARS-CoV-2 molecular diagnostics last 26 May 2020 at SPMC.

The program aims to train more medical personnel to operate additional COVID-19 testing centers in Davao City and in other areas in Mindanao. Philippine Genome Center (PGC) Mindanao director Dr. Lyre Anni Murao and SPMC chief training officer Dr. Maria Elinore Concha witnessed the signing of the agreement.

“Public and private hospitals in Davao Region are establishing COVID-19 testing laboratories to address the increasing number of confirmed cases and the limited number of testing facilities. Through this joint program, we can address the need for more personnel to handle clinical specimens and perform the necessary molecular tests,” said Chancellor Digal.