Cebu Pacific offers antigen tests for P700

“This process makes use of an antigen test taken just hours before the scheduled time of departure, with results released within 30 minutes,” the airline said.

Cebu Pacific is offering antigen test for only P700, “the lowest rate in the industry.”

“The TBB testing facility at the NAIA Terminal 3 is now open for walk-ins from 2 a.m. to 2 p.m. daily,” it said.

It said passengers will only have to register onsite and pay the fee directly to Cebu Pacific’s diagnostic partner, Philippine Airport Diagnostic Laboratory (PADL).

Throughout the pilot run in General Santos, the airline said it tested a total of 1,143 passengers, three of whom tested positive and were not allowed to proceed with their flight.

Only those who tested negative were allowed to board the aircraft.

Subsequently, based on the data provided by the local government of General Santos, Cebu Pacific passengers were retested after their seven-day quarantine and results were still negative, showing consistency with the earlier results of the TBB process.

Apart from General Santos, the local governments of Butuan, Dipolog, and Pagadian also accept negative antigen test results as a pre-travel requirement.

To date, a number of local and international destinations require negative RT-PCR test results prior to entry.

“As such, Cebu Pacific has ensured this need is fully covered as it offers RT-PCR tests for only P3,300 via its three partner laboratories, namely PADL, Health Metrics, Inc. (HMI), and Safeguard DNA Diagnostics Inc. (SDDI),” it said.

Domestic tourists may also avail of a subsidized RT-PCR test at the UP Philippine General Hospital (UP-PGH).

Fifty percent of the original cost will be subsidized by the Department of Tourism (DOT) through the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB), leaving only P900 to be paid for by the passenger.

Those who wish to apply for this must register five days before their trip via www.tpb.gov.ph/rtpcrphtravel. — RSJ, GMA News