Guam’s Future Public Health Laboratory Makes Major Progress

Hagåtña, Guam - The Office of the Governor, together with the Department of Public Health and Social Services and the Community Defense Liaison Office, celebrated the topping off ceremony of the Guam Public Health Training and Biosafety Laboratory in Mangilao. Today's event marks the completion of the Double T roofing installation, a visible sign that the main structure has been completed and that Guam is moving confidently toward stronger science, safety, and preparedness for the island and the wider Pacific.

The Guam Public Health Training and Biosafety Laboratory is a $38.6 million investment, funded through a $32 million congressional appropriation to the Office of Local Defense Community Cooperation and $6.6 million from the Office of the Governor. Construction costs total $29.5 million, with completion set for June 2026.

"I am so proud to mark this milestone in our progress toward a stronger, safer public health system for Guam. The team behind this work, led by Albert Santos, is the same team building our hospital in Mangilao. What we're seeing here today-the topping off of our new Public Health Training and Biosafety Laboratory-is proof of what we can achieve when we work together," said Governor Lou Leon Guerrero. "This is progress in action. And quite frankly, we could be further along with our hospital if we had the same level of cooperation and support from our Legislature and Attorney General. Their continued obstruction and inaction have caused unnecessary delays in laying the groundwork for our new medical campus."

She added, "The federal government has been an incredible partner, understanding how vital quality healthcare is for our people and for the Pacific region. My original vision was for this lab to be part of our new medical complex-connected to our hospital, supporting research, and strengthening our response to future health threats. While we weren't granted that opportunity, this facility in Mangilao will still stand close to our new hospital site, and it will serve as an essential part of Guam's future in healthcare. When we talk about improving healthcare delivery, it takes all of us-every agency, every partner, and every person committed to building a healthier Guam."

DPHSS Director Theresa Arriola added, "With each step forward, we are not just building a laboratory, we are building capacity, confidence, and a stronger foundation for the health of Guam and the Pacific region. This project reflects the vision of Governor Lou Leon Guerrero and Lieutenant Governor Josh Tenorio to modernize Guam's public health system. It is a true partnership in light of the military buildup on Guam and a shared win for local residents and mission readiness."

Upon completion, the 16,000-square-foot facility will be operated by the Department of Public Health and Social Services and will house Guam's first Biosafety Level 3 laboratory. These advanced capabilities will enable local diagnostic testing, shorten response times during public health emergencies, and reduce the need to ship samples off-island. Beyond diagnostics, the Guam Public Health Training and Biosafety Laboratory will serve as a regional training center. Laboratory professionals will also receive hands-on instruction in biosafety, diagnostics, and laboratory management, strengthening preparedness across Micronesia and the broader Pacific.

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