Agricultural diagnostic laboratories’ biosafety and biosecurity compliance is a relatively unexplored area in the Philippines as research is generally focused on clinical settings. The Integrated Laboratories Division (ILD) of the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office IV-A (DA-RFO IV-A) still encounters persistent issues such as irregular protocol implementation, insufficient resources, and fragmented regulatory systems. This study evaluated the biosafety and biosecurity practices and level of compliance of laboratory personnel of ILD-DA RFO IV-A (CALABARZON). The research design used was descriptive-correlational. Purposive sampling of forty (40) technical personnel from the Regional Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory (RADDL IV-A) was employed. Practices were assessed using a validated structured 5-point Likert-scale questionnaire across five dimensions: training programs, procedures, resource allocation, risk assessment and communication, and awareness campaigns. Compliance was measured with five indicators: trainings, standard operating procedures (SOPs), personal protective equipment (PPE), risk assessment and waste management, and decontamination. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, paired t-test, one-way repeated measures Analysis of Variance (ANOVA), and Pearson correlation. Biosafety and biosecurity practices were rated as “often” implemented (grand mean = 4.10). Procedures scored the highest (M = 4.23) and resource allocation the lowest (M = 3.92). Overall compliance was “mostly compliant” (grand mean = 4.22) and PPE use was rated the highest (M = 4.41). There were no major differences between respondent groups. Correlation analysis indicates a negligible relationship between biosafety and biosecurity practices and the level of compliance (r = 0.06288, p = 0.700). However, the result is not statistically significant, leading to the acceptance of the null hypothesis. The key challenges were public misinformation (M = 3.82), lack of digital monitoring infrastructure, and fragmented regulatory coordination. The ILD-DA RFO IV-A has a strong foundation for biosafety and biosecurity, but strategic interventions are needed to address the gaps in resource allocation, digital monitoring, and inter-agency coordination. A recommended action plan is suggested to reach full and sustainable compliance, covering capacity building, policy harmonization, and improved risk communication.

Keywords: biosafety and biosecurity, laboratory compliance, agricultural diagnostic laboratories, resource allocation, risk assessment, regulatory coordination.