Vaccine Expert Panel Chairperson Dr. Nina Gloriani expressed her full support to the proposed establishment of the Virology and Vaccine Institute of the Philippines (VVIP).
“We welcome that very much. Actually, ilang taon na ring pinag-uusapan ‘yan at umaandar na siya ngayon (We welcome that very much. Actually, it has been discussed for several years and now it is progressing),” said Gloriani in a Laging Handa public briefing on Tuesday, Dec. 6.
Benefits
In terms of its benefits, Gloriani explained that the establishment of VVIP would help the Philippines in developing vaccines against several forms of viruses.
“Ang ibig sabihin ay mas magiging malakas ang ating research and development sa mga viruses. Pero hindi lang naman viruses ang titignan dito, ‘yung mga bakuna rin para sa ibang mga mikrobyo (This just means that our research and development for viruses will be strengthened. But it will not just be for viruses, we will also deal with other forms of microbes as well),” said Gloriani.
“Marami po ang maiaangat na antas sa pagsasaliksik ating mga scientist. Plus magkakaroon din tayo ng network o alyansa sa ibang mga institusyon na mag aaral sa mga emerging infections (There are many levels that can be raised in the field of research which will benefit our scientists. Plus we will also have a network or alliance with other institutions that will study emerging infections),” the expert furthered.
Gloriani underscored the importance of strengthening the country’s capacity in battling with emerging diseases. She then cited what happened in the previous years, when the Philippines had to rely on foreign manufacturers to acquire vaccines.
“Kasama sa magiging programa ng ating VVIP ay ang bakuna. Importante na magkaroon tayo ng sarili nating kapasidad (Included in our VVIP program is the vaccine. It is important that we have our own capacity),” she added.