BGI’s Huo-Yan Laboratory formally launched in Philippines

Chinese company BGI opened a new molecular and diagnostic pathology laboratory in San Fernando, Pampanga on May 9. 

The Huo-Yan lab, as its creators call it, is part of an Asian Development Bank initiative developed in March to help Asian nations in fighting the COVID-19 pandemic. 

The laboratory is designed to handle 3000 tests per day. Health Secretary Francisco Duque expects the lab to boost existing testing capacities for the COVID-19 pathogen. 

The Philippines is the latest country to receive BGI’s Huo-Yan laboratory technology. The Huo-Yan Lab has so far been introduced into more than 20 countries, including Australia, Denmark, Sweden, France, Saudi Arabia and the UAE.

Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles said, “We are very thankful to the Chinese government for allowing us to access this sort of technology. It’s very important for us to really take control of what’s happening in terms of controlling the pandemic.” 

Minister Counselor and Deputy Chief of the Chinese Embassy in the Philippines Mr. Tan QingSheng said the laboratory is also part of efforts to improve relations between China and the Philippines. 

Last month, a 12-member Chinese medical expert team shared information on COVID-19 with their Filipino counterparts. China also issued special permits for Philippine military aircraft and vessels to go to China to collect medical supplies and other assistance from China.