The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) is eyeing to break ground for the state-of-the-art Virology Institute of the Philippines (VIP) by the fourth quarter of 2021.
DOST-Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (DOST-PCHRD) Executive Director Dr. Jaime C. Montoya disclosed this during the second leg of the National Research Council of the Philippines’s (NRCP) webinar series,”VISION 2021: Virology Science and Technology Institute of the Philippines, Information, Opportunities, and Networking” on Friday, July 16.
“The department is looking forward to having its groundbreaking this fourth quarter of 2021,” he said, after showing the initial design of the Institute's facade.
He said the DOST has been in touch with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) for the detailed architectural and engineering design of the P2-billion VIP.
“Currently, a memorandum of understanding was crafted between the DOST-ITDI (Industrial Technology Development Institute) and the Bureau of Design of the Department of Public Works and Highways,” Montoya said.
He said the DPWH-BOD also prepared an approved budget for the detailed architectural and engineering design for the proposed VIP. He said P50 million has been allocated for the design of the VIP.
“As for the timeline regarding the VIP infrastructure, bid documents have already been prepared during the first semester of 2021 and shall proceed within the year,” Montoya said.
“Finally, preparation of design will commence in the last quarter in 2021 and will continue until February of 2022,” he added.
The DOST said late May that the VIP may rise at the New Clark Economic Zone in Capas, Tarlac by the end of 2023 or in 2024.
DOST Undersecretary for Research and Development Rowena Cristina L. Guevara had disclosed that the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) has “allotted five hectares of land in the New Clark Economic Zone in Capas, Tarlac, as the VIP site,"
She said the DOST and BCDA were “finalizing the term sheet before signing the lease contract.”
Related story: https://mb.com.ph/2021/05/25/phs-virology-institute-to-rise-in-tarlac-soon-dost/
The VIP is expected to undertake scientific and technological research and development (R&D) in the field of virology and conduct product R&D in the areas of diagnostics, therapeutics and vaccines.
Related story: https://mb.com.ph/2021/05/28/dost-approves-6-rd-projects-as-part-of-vip-program-dost-chief/