Uswag Molecular Lab earns PHP79 million since 2020

By Rjay Zuriaga Castor

The Uswag Molecular Laboratory, operated by the Iloilo City Government, has generated a total income of PHP79.1 million from 2020 to August 2025.

Of the total, PHP34 million came from COVID-19 testing services, while PHP45.1 million was earned through PhilHealth claims.

The city government reported that the laboratory incurred PHP72.8 million in expenses over the five-year period, leaving a net income of PHP6.3 million.

From 2020 to 2025, the facility processed 166,319 COVID-19 tests and collected 157,806 specimens.

For 2025 alone, it tested 269 swabs, yielding eight positive and 261 negative results.

July recorded the highest monthly output this year with 167 swabs.

Inaugurated in November 2020 at the height of the pandemic, the lab has since expanded its diagnostic services as a Level 2 biosafety facility equipped with molecular testing machines.

Between January and August 2025, the facility conducted 2,586 hematology tests, 730 HIV screenings, 1,285 dengue NS1 tests, 1,695 microscopy tests, 1,885 direct sputum smear microscopy tests, and collected 44 specimens for hand, foot, and mouth disease testing.

The Iloilo City Blood Services Program also reported notable contributions.

Between January and June 2025, it collected 8,638 blood units, including 132 units from local government-led mobile blood donation drives.