The Philippine National Police Negros Occidental Provincial Crime Laboratory received a boost in its effort to ensure biosafety in the workplace after receiving a fabricated fume hood from the provincial government.

Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson turned over the equipment to Col. Enrique Ancheta, chief of Western Visayas Regional Crime Laboratory, and Col. Cirox Omero, chief of Provincial Crime Laboratory, in a ceremony held at the Capitol grounds here on Tuesday.

“I hope this will help protect your people. I hope somehow this will ensure the safety of your personnel,” Lacson told the police officials.

The provincial government allocated PHP112,725 for the fabrication of the fume hood and its accessories. The amount was sourced from the 2020 Peace and Order Fund.

Ancheta said it is important to protect the forensic chemists especially when they conduct examination of dangerous drugs.

“Many chemists have gotten ill, some even had cancer. This will be big help in preserving the health of chemists. They will no longer have to inhale the smell from chemicals,” he added.

As a ventilation system used in laboratories, a fume hood exhausts hazardous gases, dusts, and vapors from a confined location, thereby helping protect police personnel.

The turnover ceremony was witnessed by Provincial Administrator Rayfrando Diaz II, Maj. West Edquila, medico-legal officer, and Lt. Jenalyn Cusay, forensic chemist. (PNA)