Construction of a nearly $39 million Guam Public Health Training and Biosafety Laboratory Facility, which would allow the island to better respond to public health emergencies, officially started with Wednesday’s groundbreaking ceremony.
With shovels in hand and hard hats in place, Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero and other dignitaries marked what they described as a significant milestone in Guam’s public health history.
It’s the only biosafety laboratory in Micronesia.
Construction of the facility by the University of Guam in Mangilao is expected to be completed by June 2026.
“This facility will allow us to better respond to health crises like COVID-19, providing quicker, more efficient diagnostics,” the governor said. “By partnering with the University of Guam, we are elevating the quality of science and health care on our island.”
Rear Adm. Greg Huffman, commander of Joint Task Force Micronesia, said this laboratory “will enhance Guam’s ability to detect, prevent, and respond to health crises, reinforcing not only local capabilities but also regional stability.”
“This is a foundation for the future, where science and preparedness come together to create a safer, healthier island for generations to come,” he said.
The state-of-the-art facility represents years of collaboration between local government, military partners, and academic institutions, officials said.
“Today is not just about dirt and shovels; it’s about us, our home, and our hearts,” said Vera Topasna, executive director of the Community Defense Liaison Office. “This lab is a promise to keep Guam safe and strong, and a promise to our children, our manåmko’, and every family member who calls this island home.”
Topasna said the facility will ensure that Guam has the “tools to face any public health crisis that may arise.”
The governor also thanked everyone who made the project possible.
“This is a whole-community effort,” she said. “It’s a true commitment from everyone—local leaders, the military, our federal partners—to improve healthcare for our island.”
Topasna recognized the military’s crucial role in bringing the vital infrastructure to life.
”To our military here on Guam, you’ve been a part of this island family for generations. You’ve witnessed Guam’s spirit, and now you’re helping us to build something amazing and lasting,” she said.
According to Krystal Paco-San Agustin, director of communications for Adelup, the total construction cost is $29,491,455, while the overall costs for the lab that includes the design is $38.6 million.
Of the total amount, $32 million is from the Office of Local Defense Community Cooperation, and $6.6 from the governor’s office.
UOG President Anita Borja Enriquez said the facility aligns with the university’s strategic goals, “and we are excited to support the training and research involved in sustaining a lab of this magnitude.”
”It will contribute to the health of our island and neighboring regions,” she added.
Mangilao Mayor Allan Ungacta emphasized the laboratory’s importance in reducing the time it takes to receive critical public health results.
“The contribution is going to make for our community and our island shows that it will speed up the time it takes to get results locally,” he said. “It’s great to know that we have a partnership with the military on this, with our community, and as you can see, Mangilao is thriving. This addition complements the University of Guam and supports what’s happening within our health system.”
Source: https://www.guampdn.com/news/construction-begins-for-39m-guam-biosafety-lab-to-help-respond-better-to-public-health-crises/article_b2bd1466-f993-11ef-b722-77996e880978.html