Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Philippine Genome Center (PGC) a government institution?

Yes, PGC is a research unit and service facility under the University of the Philippines System - Office of the Vice President for Research and Innovation (OVPRI)

Does PGC offer genetic testing?

It depends on the application. Genetic testing is a broad term that encompasses several methodologies involving DNA analysis. Please reach out to our lab for more information.

Does DSCF perform paternity testing, and gender determination?

No.

Does DSCF perform diagnostic services such as cancer testing?

No.

Does DSCF perform microbiological services?

No.

Does DSCF perform enzymatic assays?

No, but clients may use necessary equipment available at DSCF to perform these types of experiments.

Do you offer validation/authentication of species?

No, DSCF can only amplify and sequence universal DNA barcodes that can help identify the sample up to the species level. However, we do not issue a Certificate of Species Identification.

What is the workflow used for my samples?

The workflow and the processes done will be explained in detail in the service report, which will be issued upon receipt of the proof of payment.

Do you give discounts?

Yes, price quotes given by DSCF are already discounted for public and educational institutions.

How should payments be made?

    Cash or Check Payment at the UP System Cash Office (Please make sure to bring your invoice):
  • Proceed to the UP System Cash Office, located at the System Finance and Admin Building (SFAB), Magsaysay Corner Aguncillo St., UP Diliman, Quezon City (The office is open from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, Monday to Friday)
  • Present your invoice to the Cashier
  • Send a photo or scanned copy of your official receipt to dnasequencing@pgc.up.edu.ph
  • Note: Personal or Company Checks are not accepted
    • Over the Counter (OTC) Deposit Payment or Online Bank Transfer UP System Bank Account Details:
  • Bank Name: Land Bank of the Philippines Account Name: UP System Trust Fund
  • Account Number: 3072-1007-50
  • Note: Please send a photo or scanned copy of your validated deposit slip to dnasequencing@pgc.up.edu.ph for payment verification and issuance of an official receipt
    • Payment using Lank Bank ePayment Facility (Link.BizPortal)
  • Step 1: Go to www.lanbank.com and click on Link.BizPortal
  • Step 2: Select University of the Philippines-System as merchant
  • Step 3: Select Other PGC Payments as the transaction type
  • Step 4: Select your preferred Payment Gateway Option
  • Step 5: Key in all the required account details
  • Step 6: Print/Save Payment Confirmation
  • Step 7: Email your payment confirmation to dnasequencing@pgc.up.edu.ph
    • Telegraphic Transfer / Wire Transfer UP System Bank Account Details:
  • Bank Name: Land Bank of the Philippines
  • Address: Apacible St., UP Diliman, Quezon City SWIFT Code: TLBPPHMM
  • Account No.: 3072-1007-50
  • Account Name: UP System Trust Fund

    • For clients using BULSA to process payments, please select "UP System Philippine Genome Center Trust Account (Sub-Account No. AM000040)" as the payee.

How should I pay if I am from a government institute?

a. The payment method depends heavily on whether the purchase is through a project fund or the agency's general budget. It's best to check with the institution's administrative office for the proper procedure.
b. If the payment is from personal funds, various methods are acceptable, including online/mobile banking or over-the-counter bank deposits, provided there's proof of payment.

Does DSCF accept interns?

Yes, but prior arrangements (e.g. MOA, MOU) must be made with UP and the head of the institute where the students are coming from. Internship acceptance also depends on the current operations capacity of the DSCF.

Are clients allowed to observe the conduct of the services being requested?

No, access to the laboratory where the services are being conducted is restricted for the laboratory staff only.

What is the DSCF’s turnaround time?

» Next-Generation Sequencing: 3 to 4 working weeks
» Capillary Sequencing: 10-15 working days.
∘ Subject to change due to several factors, including sample quality and the number of samples currently in line.
∘ For reference, please see the PGC Citizen's Charter
Samples may be submitted during office hours, Monday to Friday from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, except on weekends, official holidays and unforeseen work suspension.

Where can we submit samples?

Samples can be sent to DNA Sequencing Core Facility, PGC Building, A. Ma. Regidor Street, University of the Philippines, Diliman, Quezon City, 1101.

How can we send samples?

Samples may be submitted personally or through a courier service. Samples must be packaged according to the sample submission guidelines, which will be emailed to you prior to submission.
If through a courier service: kindly email tracking number and OBSERVE DAY AND TIME OF RECEIVING OF SAMPLES.

Can I run the samples with unsatisfactory Capillary Sequencing results?

DSCF conducts retrial and will automatically resequence for machine/reagent issues, but samples must pass quality control.

How can I receive the results?

Results will be sent or released upon receipt of the proof of payment.
» For CapSeq: Results will be sent or released via email upon receipt of the proof of payment
∘ For NGS: Results can be sent or released via:
- Downloadable link to be provided by DSCF
- Hard drive to be provided by the client

What are the documents needed to submit a sample?

Sample Submission Form, Client Information Sheet, and Final Project Plan (if needed). You may send them via email and submit a physical copy along with your samples.

How can we secure an official receipt?

» Cash or check payments made through the UP System Cash Office will be issued an Official Receipt upon payment.
» For bank deposits through Landbank, an OR will be sent by PGC one or two weeks after receipt of one (1) original deposit slip.

Can another person receive the OR on my behalf?

Yes, but an authorization letter must be presented.

Contact us

dnasequencing@pgc.up.edu.ph
8981-8625 / 8981-8500 local 4707