Assessment of the Biosafety and Biosecurity Landscape in the Philippines and the Development of the National Biorisk Management Framework.

The emergence of biological threats that can potentially affect millions emphasizes the need to develop a policy framework in the Philippines that can mount an adequate and well-coordinated response. The objective of the study was to assess, strengthen, and harmonize efforts in biorisk management through the development of a National Biorisk Management Framework. The development of the National Biorisk Management Framework was carried out in two phases: (1) assessment of the current biosafety and biosecurity landscape and (2) framework development.

Biosafety Capacity Building During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Results, Insights, and Lessons Learned from an Online Approach in the Philippines.

Introduction: COVID-19 diagnosis was one of the most pressing needs during the early stages of the pandemic. Its entire procedure has inherent biosafety risks that if not properly managed and mitigated can be life threatening. Cognizant of this vital aspect, the Department of Health (DOH) imposed a biosafety training requirement to all laboratories and institutions before they could perform COVID-19 diagnostic testing.