PIPAC in a Time of Pandemic
April 24, 2020
The Philippine Institute of Pure and Applied Chemistry (PIPAC) has been the object of urban legends among students in the campus. While it is situated within the Loyola Schools premises, very few have entered the building and little is known about its nature of operation.
On March 16, 2020, when enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) was enforced due to COVID-19, the whole campus was locked down, except for PIPAC, which remained in operation albeit with skeleton work force.
PIPAC is a third-party chemical testing laboratory that is part of the supply chain of several food and drug manufacturers, as well as hospitals. These institutions are crucial to continue their operations especially during a time of health crisis. PIPAC commits to serve these clients, as the tests done by PIPAC are critical to their function.
Food, drugs and blood samples are sent to PIPAC and are analyzed for food safety, drug efficacy, and health conditions of patients. During this time of pandemic, most of the tests being done are for essential products such as alcohol, sanitizers, disinfectants, bleach and other cleaning agents.
Being a testing laboratory PIPAC understands the vital function of personal protective equipment (PPE). When COVID-19 was spreading and hospital front liners were crying for masks, face shields and other PPE, PIPAC heeded the call by donating laboratory gowns.
This is PIPAC, serving the country and contributing to stem the transmission of the virus through its mandate of providing “reliable, cost-effective and fast chemical analysis; and R&D services in the solution of industrial, health and environmental problems.”
PIPAC thanks its gallant chemists and support personnel for their selflessness in providing indispensable analytical services to the Philippine public during this time of pandemic.
PIPAC also thanks the Quezon City Mayor’s Office, Fr. Jett Villarin SJ, Ateneo de Manila President, Fr. Jose Cruz SJ, VP-UGR, Dr. Maria Victoria Cortez, VP for Administration and HR, Mr. Marcelino Mendoza, Director for Campus Safety and Mobility, Dr. Norman Marquez, University Physician, Mr. Rene San Andres, Residence Halls Director, and Dr. Ma. Mercedes Rodrigo, Areté Executive Director, for their support of PIPAC’s operations.
