Communities in Bicol will soon have easier access to safe drinking water testing as the Department of Science and Technology-Bicol (DOST-Bicol) launched LabMove, the first mobile laboratory for water potability in the entire DOST system.
The project, unveiled during the 2025 Regional Science, Technology, and Innovation Week in Bicol, marks a major step in delivering science, technology, and innovation for maximum social and economic benefit.
It is designed to provide on-site chemical and microbiological testing services, particularly to geographically isolated, disadvantaged, and underserved areas.
“At DOST–Bicol, we uphold our commitment to Siyensyang Maasahan sa Kabikolan — science that Bicolanos can truly depend on,” said DOST-Bicol Regional Director Rommel Serrano, CESO III.
He added that the launch of LabMove takes this promise further by “bringing drinking water testing directly to communities, allowing faster response and wider reach.”
Officials said the mobile lab would ease the burden of rural health offices, water districts, and refilling stations that have long been traveling to the main laboratory in Legazpi City just to submit samples and claim results.
Equipped with parameters based on the Philippine National Standards for Drinking Water of 2017, LabMove can measure pH, turbidity, apparent color, total dissolved solids, nitrate levels, and residual chlorine.
It can also detect heterotrophic bacteria, total coliform, and thermotolerant coliform or Escherichia coli (E. coli), which indicate possible fecal contamination.
These tests are essential in verifying whether drinking water is safe and compliant with health standards, especially for areas without ready access to laboratory facilities. Target clients include local government units, schools, hospitals, and private establishments in remote areas.
While the vehicle has already been delivered, preparations are still underway to make it fully operational. These include procuring testing instruments, reagents, consumables, and maintenance supplies, as well as securing the necessary accreditations from authorities.
The mobile lab is expected to begin service in the first semester of 2026.
