26/12/2025
๐ฅ๐๐ง๐ ๐ผ๐ณ๐ณ๐ถ๐ฐ๐ฒ๐ ๐ต๐ผ๐ป๐ผ๐ฟ๐ฒ๐ฑ ๐ถ๐ป ๐๐ข๐ ๐๐ฎ๐๐ฎ๐๐ฎ๐ฅ๐ญ๐ผ๐ปโ๐ ๐๐ถ๐ฟ๐๐ ๐ฅ๐ฒ๐ด๐ถ๐ผ๐ป๐ฎ๐น ๐๐ป๐๐ฒ๐ด๐ฟ๐ฎ๐๐ฒ๐ฑ ๐๐๐ฎ๐ฟ๐ฑ๐ถ๐ป๐ด ๐๐ฒ๐ฟ๐ฒ๐บ๐ผ๐ป๐
The Research Institute for Tropical Medicine (RITM) was recognized as a key partner in strengthening local health systems during the 1st Regional Integrated Awarding Ceremonies of the Department of Health โ Center for Health Development (CHD) Region IV-A (CaLaBaRZon), held on December 10, 2025 at Hotel Casiana in Tagaytay City.
Three (3) RITM officesโthe Laboratory Research Division Office (LRDO), the Biorisk Management Office (BRMO), and the Advanced Molecular Technologies Laboratory (AMTL)โwere conferred plaques of recognition in acknowledgment of their sustained contributions, best practices, and collaborative work with regional and local stakeholders in advancing public health in CaLaBaRZon.
The awarding ceremony carried the theme โBayanihan para sa Kalusugan, Pagpupugay sa Sama-Samang Tagumpay ng CaLaBaRZon,โ highlighting the collective efforts of local government units (LGUs), national government agencies, and partner institutions in achieving milestones toward Universal Health Care (UHC) and health equity for all. The event celebrated not only individual achievements, but also the power of collaboration in delivering people-centered health services.
The recognition of LRDO reflects its vital role in providing laboratory expertise, technical assistance, quality assurance, and capacity-building support to regional and local laboratories. Through its work, LRDO has helped strengthen diagnostic services and improve access to reliable laboratory testingโan essential foundation for effective disease surveillance and clinical care.
BRMO was honored for its leadership in promoting biosafety and biosecurity practices, ensuring that laboratories and health facilities operate safely while maintaining compliance with national and international standards. Its efforts contribute to protecting health workers, communities, and the environment, while enabling laboratories to function efficiently and responsibly.
Meanwhile, AMTL was recognized for its critical role in expanding access to advanced molecular diagnostics in the region. Through confirmatory testing, surge capacity support, and technical collaboration, the AMTL has played a key role in strengthening the regionโs preparedness and response to emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases.
Beyond individual office achievements, the recognition of RITM during the ceremony underscored its role as a trusted national reference institution and partner in building resilient, responsive, and integrated local health systems. The event also served as a symbolic reaffirmation of the shared commitment between RITM, DOH CHD CaLaBaRZon, LGUs, and other partners to uphold the principles of bayanihan, equity, and service to the Filipino people.
RITM remains committed to working closely with regional and local partners to advance science-driven, people-centered health servicesโensuring that quality diagnostics, safe laboratory practices, and technical excellence continue to support the realization of Universal Health Care in CaLaBaRZon and beyond.
