Go Negosyo aims to contribute 6k kits daily for COVID-19 testing

The Philippine private sector, through the Go Negoyso Project ARK (antibody rapid test kits) initiative, is eyeing to contribute some 6,000 polymerase chain reaction (PCR) coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) test kits to local government units.

According to Go Negosyo adviser and project leader Josephine Romero, the private sector has already ordered some 1 million test kits which will boost the country's testing capacity.

"For Go Negosyo ARK PCR initiative, we are targeting to contribute 6,000 daily testing," she said in a virtual press conference on Wednesday.

Go Negosyo is the advocacy of the Philippine Center for Entrepreneurship (PCE), a non-stock, non-profit organization.

Romero said the first batch is expected to arrive over the weekend, containing some 400,000 test kits, while the remaining 600,000 will arrive by batches the following weeks.

"Even as we speak, more companies continue to buy so it's at least 1 million," she said, noting that the kits are sourced from countries such as China and the United States.

Just last week, Go Negosyo said that out of the 1 million kits, majority or 877,272 will be used by partner companies while 138,480 will go to local government units.

Partner LGUs include Antipolo, Batangas, Quezon City, Pasig, Taguig, and Makati.

"We are at war with an invisible enemy. That is why the key is visibility," Go Negosyo founder and Presidential Adviser for Entrepreneurship Jose Ma. "Joey" Concepcion said earlier.

"We have to test, test, test! Mass testing is the key to reopening our economy and reinstating public confidence," he added. —KG, GMA News