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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Bicol solons eye P2-B research fund for proposed virology institute

Bicol solons eye P2-B research fund for proposed virology institute

Published Sep 17, 2022 10:31 am

Bicol-based solons led by Camarines Sur 2nd district Rep. LRay Villafuerte want to set aside P2 billion as initial research and development (R&D) funds for the proposed Philippine Virology Science and Technology Institute (VIP) being endorsed by the Marcos administration.

Camarines Sur 2nd district Rep. LRay Villafuerte (Facebook)


The lawmakers filed House Bill (HB) 308, which bats for the creation of the VIP, and allocation of an initial P2 billion for its R&D activities. The fund is to be called the Virology Research Fund.

They said the move is in step with the government vision to make the proposed institute the Philippines' premier laboratory on virology research and science-based investigations of viral diseases like Covid-19.

The bill was filed by Villafuerte, Camarines Sur Reps. Miguel Luis Villafuerte (5th district) and Tsuyoshi Anthony Horibata (1st district), and Bicol Saro Party-list Rep. Nicolas Enciso VIII.

As proposed by the four legislators, this Virology Research Fund shall be used exclusively for the implementation of the Virology Institute Strategic Plan, which shall be administered by the VIP, subject to existing government budgeting, accounting and auditing rules and regulations.

VIP’s Virology Research Fund shall come, according to the bill, from an initial P2-billion allocation under the annual General Appropriation Act (GAA); all incomes raised from its operations, technology transfer and licensing agreements; and from loans, contributions, grants, bequests, gifts and donations, whether from local or foreign sources.

The bill provides that the acceptance of grants, bequests, contributions and donations from foreign governments shall be subject to the approval of the President, upon the recommendation of the Secretaries of the Departments of Science and Technology (DOST) and of Foreign Affairs (DFA).

The bill also authorizes the DOST secretary—with the approval of the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) and, later, the Department of Finance (DOF)—to enter into loan agreements with foreign lenders or development partners for financial support for the would-be VIP.
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