Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.has signed into law the proposed measure, establishing the Virology and Vaccine Institute of the Philippines (VIP).
Republic Act No.12290 states that the VIP would be a national research center that is focused on studies of viruses, pathogens, and vaccine development that will strengthen the country’s health security.
The creation of the VIP is viewed as a landmark move to enhance the country’s capacity to respond to future pandemics and other public health threats.
Under the new law, the VIP was tasked to conduct vaccine research, from discovery to pre-clinical phases, and develop diagnostics and therapeutics for emerging and reemerging infectious diseases.
It will also carry out discovery programs in virology, molecular biology, and bioinformatics, while building partnerships with local and international research institutions.
To support this mandate, the VIP will invest in advanced virology infrastructure, including high-containment facilities, biobanks, and genome laboratories.
It will also provide the training of experts, technical assistance to research communities, and the dissemination of evidence-based policy recommendations.
The measure further adopts the One Health approach, recognizing the interconnectedness of human, animal, plant, and environmental health, as virology research will not only address human health concerns but also agricultural and ecological challenges.
The VIP will be headed by a director, who shall report the results of research and development studies to the VIP Board, chaired by the Secretary of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and co-chaired by the Secretary of the Department of Health (DOH) and the Secretary of the Department of Agriculture (DA).
The VIP shall submit its annual report to the President and to the Committees on Science and Technology of both Houses of Congress no later than March 30 annually.
Under the law, the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine (RITM) will keep its current functions under the Department of Health as it works closely with the VIP.
The RITM will continue providing expertise in detecting and identifying emerging infectious diseases and offering laboratory support.
The findings from the VIP, RITM, and other concerned agencies will be integrated into the plans of the Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases and the National Task Force against animal-borne diseases or their successor bodies.—LDF GMA Integrated News.
