Considered to be the first in the Philippines and in the world, the Mactan-Cebu International Airport Authority (MCIAA), together with the GMR-MEGAWIDE Cebu Airport Corporation (GMCAC), launched on Saturday a dedicated molecular laboratory for the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) detection in the Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA).
MCIAA General Manager and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Atty. Steve Dicdican said this was borne out of the prerequisite for the resumption of international travel with the de-prioritization of profit since the airport will not profit a single cent from its operations.
“It should be noted that the airport will not profit a single cent from the laboratory because we envisioned this to be our contribution to the government’s effort to bring home our stranded kababayans at minimal cost to them and the government and jumpstarting our economy,” Dicdican said in a statement.
The project was also done in line with the Department of Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade’s directive for airports to each have a dedicated molecular laboratory.
Dicdican added the group immediately took up to the task and embarked on the ambitious project of putting up the fastest-built and accredited molecular laboratory, which has the capacity to do mass testing and generate results in the quickest possible time.
The 400-square meter laboratory, which is designed to process 1,500 to 3,000 tests per day, can yield test results after 24 hours — the shortest time in the country to release swab test results.
It holds a Biosafety Level 2 certification from the Department of Health (DoH) and the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine (RITM), which allows it to work with agents associated with human diseases that pose a moderate health hazard.
Meanwhile, GMR-MEGA WIDE, which operates the MCIA, has finalized its arrival protocols for international passengers who will need to undergo swab testing and must have confirmed hotel accommodations in Cebu for a specific number of days while waiting for their test results.
The cost of PCR swab tests for returning Filipinos who are not overseas Filipino workers (OFW) and foreign nationals is P4,900, which is to be shouldered by the passenger. The testing cost for land-based OFW and seafarers is P4,400, which shall be shouldered by the Overseas Workers Welfare Association.
Upon arrival, passengers will need to present their Travel Registration Number after registering at the online MCIA Passenger Arrival Registration Form, then proceed to the Bureau of Quarantine (BoQ) to undergo thermal scanning and submit the Health Declaration Form. Following clearance from Immigration, they will need to proceed to the Arrival Reclaim Hall for the PCR swab test wherein an orange band/sticker will be given to indicate completion.
While claiming baggage, they will go to the waiting area and wait for a representative from respective agencies for Customs clearance before leaving the airport. PCR swab test results will be released by the BoQ after 24 to 48 hours.
For negative PCR test results, the passenger will receive an email from the BoQ wherein the local government unit may bring the passenger to their residence in Cebu, may be allowed to go home via private vehicle, or take onward flights.
For positive results, the BoQ will be directly in touch with the passenger for specific instructions wherein the passenger must comply with mandated health, safety, and treatment protocols of the DoH and BoQ.
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