DAVAO CITY — Once again proving why it is steps ahead of other local government units in Mindanao, Davao City has taken another pioneering leap—this time in animal health protection—by acquiring state-of-the-art laboratory equipment for the detection and diagnosis of animal diseases.
The Davao City Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory (DCADDL) in Maa, operated by the City Veterinarian’s Office (CVO), is now equipped with two highly advanced systems: a Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) machine and an Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) system.
“This makes Davao City the first LGU in Mindanao—and the only one in the Davao Region—capable of independently offering diagnostic testing for a wide range of transboundary animal diseases, including the African Swine Fever (ASF) virus and Avian Influenza,” said Dr. Gay Pallar, Acting Head of the CVO, during the ISpeak Media Forum.
The RT-PCR machine, powered by an automated extraction system, allows scientists to amplify and analyze tiny DNA or RNA fragments, enabling the precise detection of pathogens like ASF. Meanwhile, the ELISA system can identify and measure specific antibodies or antigens, aiding in the diagnosis of bacterial, viral, and fungal infections.
“These upgrades will not only improve our capacity to protect Davao City’s livestock and poultry industries but also strengthen the biosecurity framework of the entire region,” Pallar noted.
Opening Doors for the Region
Currently housed in Maa, the laboratory is set to be relocated to the CVO’s compound in Malagos to accommodate the larger space needed for the equipment. Once operational in its new home, the CVO plans to accept samples from other provinces and municipalities—extending its advanced diagnostic services beyond city borders.
The possibility of charging minimal fees for outside testing is being considered, subject to consultations with the City Treasurer’s Office and approval from the Sangguniang Panlungsod.
A Track Record of Firsts
This new milestone adds to Davao City’s impressive record of pioneering laboratory facilities. It already operates the only red tide monitoring laboratory in Mindanao—the Davao City Red Tide Monitoring Laboratory at the Bankerohan Public Market—which uses the mouse bioassay method to detect paralytic shellfish poisoning (PSP) in mussels or tahong.
By ensuring that shellfish sold in city markets are PSP-free, the laboratory safeguards public health and strengthens consumer confidence in local food safety standards.
With these facilities, Davao City is cementing its position as a leader not just in governance but in science-based, forward-looking initiatives that protect public health, support the agriculture sector, and set the benchmark for other LGUs in the region.
As Dr. Pallar summed it up: “This is not just for Davao City—it’s for Mindanao.”