San Pedro College of Davao Unveils Cutting-Edge School-Based Clinical Laboratory

To become a leading center of excellence in clinical diagnostics, research, and training for future healthcare workers in the field of medical laboratory science, San Pedro College unveiled its highly advanced Diagnostics, Research, and Training Center on July 22, 2024. The center offers innovative and accurate diagnostics, support for cutting-edge research, and comprehensive training programs for its students.

The SPC-DRTC is ready to serve SPC employees, students, and walk-in clients with a comprehensive range of laboratory procedures that analyze human blood, urine, stool, and other body fluids. It is equipped with fully automated machines and advanced technology to deliver accurate and precise results within the standard turnaround time.

Dr. Jasmen S. Pasia, the Dean of the School of Medical Laboratory Science, expressed her heartfelt gratitude to everyone who worked behind the inception and realization of the laboratory and to the Board of Trustees for approving the proposal, a department’s dream for almost three decades. “Thank you so much for working with us in attaining our shared vision,” she said. She also thanked the Department of Health XI for releasing the License to Operate in time for deploying the MLS students’ first wave of clinical internships. Dr. Pasia highlighted that the opening of the DRTC is one of the significant sacrifices the institution had to make since most of the clinical laboratories in the region can only accommodate a limited number of interns from SPC, considering the growth of schools offering MLS.

“Today’s ceremony highlights and serves as a tangible reminder of SPC’s mission to provide a nurturing environment essential to inspiring lifelong action for learning. We aim to help our students become the best version of themselves with integrity and responsibility as our future healthcare providers,” Pasia added.

Sr. Aida T. Frencillo, OP, SPC President, also expressed her gratitude and recognized the school’s milestone in opening the laboratory. “Special mention to the indomitable spirit of our SMLS dean, Dr. Jasmen Pasia, and Associate Dean, Dr. Chalee Reyes, who tirelessly supervised the project from its inception to completion,” Frencillo expressed. Sr. Frencillo also acknowledged Dr. Oscar P. Grageda, a former and pioneering faculty member of the Medical Technology Department of SPC in 1982, for accepting the offer to head SPC-DRTC and serve as its resident pathologist.

“This milestone is a testament to our dedication, hard work, and collaborative spirit as a Dominican learning community. The establishment of our very own training center marks a significant feat for the SPC’s School of Medical Laboratory Science and heralds a future of excellence and service. In response to God’s boundless generosity, we do our best to play a crucial role in shaping our medical laboratory science interns into competent and skillful professionals equipped to serve not only the Filipino people but also communities worldwide,” Sr. Frencillo highlighted.

Also in attendance was the chairperson of the SPC Board of Trustees, Sr. Zoselie T. Escolano, OP, who acknowledged SPC’s initiative in opening the clinical laboratory that aims to continually explore new and innovative ways to better and expand services, which also facilitates learning and builds knowledge for the students and faculty of SPC. Sr. Escolano emphasized that the clinic is an additional help to their mission, particularly in education and healthcare ministries.

The SPC Diagnostics, Research, and Training Center will cater to and serve the needs of its students, employees, and the community through the following services: Anatomic and General Clinical Pathology; Drug-Testing; Marijuana and Methamphetamine Screening Tests for SPC students and employees and pre-employment and other government-related requirements for walk-in clients; a Research Center that will provide students and researchers access to laboratory resources; and a Training Center with comprehensive internship and training programs for its affiliated schools, where interns will rotate across various laboratory sections, completing manual, semi-automated, and automated procedures, equipping them with the knowledge, skills, and competencies necessary to function as independent Medical Technologists. (SPC Communications and Media Relations Office)