DOST-backed SAI.Kit boosts justice for survivors

Survivors of sexual violence now have greater access to science-based support in their pursuit of justice, following the official launch of the Sexual Assault Investigation Kit (SAI.Kit) at the University of the Philippines (UP) Diliman Natural Sciences Research Institute (NSRI) on 19 May 2026. Developed with support from the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), this milestone marks another significant step forward in integrating forensic science into sexual assault investigations in the country.

The SAI.Kit, derived from “sakit” and “malasakit” reflects care, empathy and compassion, and addressing sexual assault cases through science. It is used to properly collect, preserve, transport, and store DNA evidence from sexual assault cases to support accurate forensic analysis investigations.

“The pursuit of justice is often difficult and uncertain for survivors of sexual abuse. The pain left behind extends far beyond the moment of violence, often accompanied by silence, fear, and the struggle to prove what happened,” said DOST Secretary Dr. Renato U. Solidum Jr., as he called for clarity, accountability, and a process that allows evidence to be properly established and recognized. “With SAI.Kit, science stands with survivors through efforts that support truth and justice,” he added.

The DOST, through the Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (PCHRD), continues to support forensic science capacity through research, including the development of the SAI.Kit. In the early 2000s, the kit underwent continuous refinements, leading to its current standardized version used for collecting, transporting, and preserving DNA evidence in sexual assault cases. Through the Filipino Genome Regions to Help Resolve Child Sexual Abuse Cases project under the Filipino Genomes Research Program (FGRP), the SAI.Kit improved its DNA recovery, storage, and analysis to amplify the reliability of evidence handling in sexual assault cases.

Secretary Solidum praised the SAI.Kit for reflecting Filipino ingenuity and national pride. “The SAI.Kit serves as a reminder of Filipino patriotism and the importance of taking pride in locally developed kits that support justice and public service,” he emphasized. DNA Analysis Laboratory Head Academician Maria Corazon A. De Ungria underscored the importance of the initiative, stating that, “The future of forensic science is not only about technology. It is about people, truth, dignity, and the continuing responsibility of science to serve society.” Secretary Solidum commended Academician De Ungria and the whole FGRP team for their contributions to DNA analysis and advancing forensic science in the country.

In partnership with the Latter-day Saint Charities Philippines Incorporated, affiliated with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and the Manila HealthTek, a total of 2,000 SAI.Kits were donated back to the UP NSRI DNA Analysis Laboratory for use in sexual assault investigations.

The official launch of the SAI.Kit concluded with the signing of a commercial licensing agreement between Dr. Raul V. Destura of Manila HealthTek and UP Diliman Chancellor Atty. Edgardo Carlo L. Vistan II, granting the right to use intellectual property for the production and distribution of the kit.