San Agustin Opens New Clinical Lab for Public, Students

By Rjay Zuriaga Castor

The University of San Agustin (USA) has inaugurated its expanded clinical laboratory to offer affordable diagnostic services to the public and hands-on training for medical and pharmacy students.

The expanded facility, turned over on June 16 to the College of Pharmacy and Medical Technology (CPMT), is located at the Dr. Edgar “Injap” Sia II Center for Continuing Education.

USA President Rev. Fr. Arnel Dizon, OSA, said the initiative highlights the university’s dual commitment to academic excellence and public service.

He emphasized that aside from serving as a training ground for students, the lab is open to the public, offering diagnostic services at low cost.

Fr. Dizon noted the original USA Clinical Laboratory had faced criticism from some clinics and hospitals because of its minimal testing fees.

“It’s not a good competition as far as other clinics and hospitals are concerned, but that is our commitment,” he said.

“This is not for profit or business; it is about providing quality, affordable services to the public.”

Established in 1969 in Urdaneta Hall, USA’s clinical lab has long served as both a training center and a provider of community-based diagnostic services.

Dr. James Torres, CPMT dean, called the new lab’s turnover a realization of the university’s long-held dream to elevate health sciences education with a state-of-the-art facility.

“There were times when we had to make do with limited resources and stretched spaces,” Torres said.

“But today, through the collaborative efforts of our university leadership, we open the doors to a facility that mirrors our aspirations.”

He encouraged students to stay informed about emerging technologies in medical laboratory science, such as point-of-care testing, artificial intelligence, genomics, telemedicine and sustainability.