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Virology institute needed for pandemic-resilient PH

By Jose Cielito Reganit

October 27, 2022, 3:05 pm

<p><em>(PNA file photo)</em></p>

(PNA file photo)

MANILA – Deputy Speaker and Las Pinas Rep. Camille Villar on Thursday urged for the passage of a bill seeking the creation of a Virology Science and technology Institute of the Philippines (VIP), which she said would forge new paths for a pandemic-resilient Philippines.

In pushing for House Bill 5683, Villar said she is hoping that "systems can change to better handle future public health emergencies" once the VIP has been established.

"It is high time to pass this legislation as an immediate answer to prioritize the health and welfare of our countrymen. Once enacted into law, this legislation will better equip the country with mechanisms and methods in dealing with another possible pandemic that could potentially wreak havoc into the lives and livelihood of people," she said in a statement.

Under the proposed measure, the VIP, which will be under the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), will be the focal agency in carrying out scientific and technological research and development (R&D) relating to viruses and viral diseases in humans, plants and animals; R&D in the areas of diagnostics, therapeutics and vaccines; and promote and undertake the transfer of the results of R&D to concerned government agencies, industry and the academe, among others.

It also seeks to establish partnerships with experts and virology centers around the world to conduct innovative and pioneering research that will advance virology in the country, including the development of new treatments and vaccines.

The establishment of a Virology Science and Technology Institute of the Philippines is one of the priority measures listed by President Ferdinand R. Marcos in his first State of the Nation Address last July and urged Congress to pass the legislation.

Plans to create a virology institute have snowballed after the deadliest pandemic in modern medical history emerged, with the DOST launching programs to develop the institute and the Bases Conversion and Development Authority allocating some five hectares of land in New Clark City for the construction of the institute, even while the bill is pending.

In the 18th Congress, the House of Representatives approved its version of the proposed Virology Institute on third and final reading, but the Senate failed to act on the measure due to lack of time. (PNA)

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