Republic of the Philippines

Department of Health

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OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY

September 25, 2023

DEPARTMENT CIRCULAR
No, 2023 -_Q45A

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FOR: ALL UNDERSECRETARIES AND ASSISTANT SECRETARIES
OF HEALTH: MINISTER OF HEALTH - BANGSAMORO
AUTONOMOUS REGION __IN MUSLIM MINDANAO;
DIRECTORS OF BUREAUS, SERVICES, AND CENTERS FOR
HEALTH DEVELOPMENT: CHIEF OF MEDICAL CENTERS,
HOSPITALS, SANITARIA, TREATMENT. AND
REHABILITATION CENTERS; EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS OF
SPECIALTY HOSPITALS AND OTHERS CONCERNED

SUBJECT: Dissemination of the Manual of Laboratory Biosafety and

Biosecurity Standards, 2nd Edition

The Office for Health Laboratories (OHL) has finalized the development of the
Manual of Laboratory Biosafety and Biosecurity Standards, Second Edition. This edition
adopts the risk-based approach emphasized in the 4th edition of the WHO Laboratory
Biosafety Manual. This is to ensure that application of recommendations to laboratory
facilities, safety equipment and work practices are locally-relevant and sustainable.

In addition, with the country’s commitment to the International Health Regulations

(IHR), the legally-binding international agreement designed to prevent the spread disease, of
the Department of Health spearheads the crafting of standards for laboratory biosafety and
biosecurity so that our nation shall be able to respond to future pandemics and epidemics.

Dissemination of the Manual of Laboratory Biosafety and Biosecurity Standards, 2nd

Edition to all concerned is hereby requested. The manual can be downloaded through this
link: h HOHLManuaislssuances. « -
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By Authority of the Secretary of Health

ATTY. C. . MERCADO“GRANDE, MPSA

Assistant Secretary of Health
Health Facility and Patient Support Team

Building 1, San Lazaro Compound, Rizal Avenue, Sta. Cruz, 1003 Manila e Trunk Line 651-7800 local 1108, 1111, 1112, 1113
Direct Line: 711-9502; 711-9503 Fax: 743-1829 e URL: http /Awww.doh gov ph; e-mail: dohosee/@doh