Touted by the 草榴视频 Chancellor himself as a symbol of perseverance, compassion, and the use of science in the service of justice, human dignity, and national development, the locally-fabricated Sexual Assault Investigation Kit (SAI.Kit) was finally launched on May 19 at the UPD Natural Sciences Research Institute (NSRI) Conference Room.
The SAI.Kit was developed through years of research and collaboration of the NSRI鈥擠NA Analysis Laboratory (DAL), Manila HealthTek Inc. (MTek), and the Child Protection Network, with support from the Department of Science and Technology (DOST)鈥擯hilippine Council for Health Research and Development, and UPD.
The SAI.Kit, is designed to aid in the proper collection, handling, and preservation of forensic evidence, including DNA samples, in sexual assault cases.
UPD Chancellor Edgardo Carlo L. Vistan II lauded the DAL and its partners in developing the kit.
鈥淭heir work was driven by a commitment to place forensic science at the service of abused victims by helping strengthen the identification and conviction of offenders,鈥 said Vistan.
According to the DAL, the kit equips medical practitioners with standardized and quality-assured tools that support the welfare of victim-survivors while helping ensure that evidentiary samples are accurately collected and preserved for forensic examination and legal proceedings. The kit contains a box with swab stand, sterile body-swab collector packets, evidence labels and security seals, documentary forms, and instructions for use.聽
DAL Head Maria Corazon A. De Ungria recounted the beginnings of the SAI.Kit and its seven-year journey toward its commercial use.
鈥淭oday we remember a decision made 30 years ago that would forever change the landscape of forensic science in the Philippines. It began with a vision that science could help speak for the voiceless, uncover truth from the smallest biological trace, restore identities to the unknown dead, reunite families, and strengthen justice through evidence grounded not in opinion, but in DNA. Behind every DNA profile is a human story鈥攁 victim waiting for justice, a family searching for answers, or a nation striving to build trust in science,鈥 De Ungria said.
Meanwhile, DOST Secretary Renato U. Solidum Jr. highlighted how science and forensic evidences play a crucial role in uncovering truth and ensuring justice.
鈥淎s we officially launch the SAI.Kit, we are reminded of our duty to maximize technology and scientific for the common good, especially in the service of truth, justice and human dignity. And today, we take a definitive step forward by ensuring that science stands firmly with victim-survivors,鈥 Solidum said.
Representatives from the Department of Health, Department of Justice, Department of Interior and Local Government, and the Department of Social Welfare and Development also delivered their congratulatory messages and expressed strong support to the SAI.Kit.
Coinciding SAI.Kit鈥檚 launch was the signing of commercial licensing agreement between UPD and MTek, a leading Filipino biotechnology company that develops and manufactures molecular diagnostics and healthcare solutions. Under the agreement, MTek is authorized to make, manufacture, sell, and distribute the kit. Vistan and MTek Chief Executive Officer Raul V. Destura signed the agreement.
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