By Myris Lee
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) will turn over a parcel of land to the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine (RITM) in support of the institute’s research work advancement.
The 9,077-square-meter land is adjacent to the RITM facility in Alabang, Muntinlupa City.
“This deed of conveyance is the DENR’s simple gift and contribution for RITM to further advance their research work, and prepare to address the current pandemic and health concerns that may arise in the future,” said DENR Acting Secretary Jim O. Sampulna.
The Department of Health’s main research arm has been responding to outbreaks of infectious diseases for the last 20 years including the COVID-19.
RITM houses 18 national reference laboratories in infectious diseases, which allow healthcare workers and professionals to perform confirmatory tests and implement quality assurance.
DENR said the additional parcel of land will help the expansion of the facility’s healthcare services and technologies. – gb