The proposed Virology and Vaccine Institute of the Philippines (VIP) Act will be a boon to the existing Balik Scientist Program of the government, a ranking House of Representatives member underscored on Thursday, Feb. 23.
“We hope that our brilliant Filipino scientists, researchers and fellows will return to the country to contribute to the establishment of the VIP and ensure its success,” House Deputy Speaker and Las Piñas City lone district Rep. Camille Villar said in a statement.
Villar urged Filipino scientists currently working abroad to lend their expertise, experience and extensive skills to the soon to be established agency.
She said the VIP is among the opportunities awaiting highly-skilled “balik scientists".
Villar also said she will ensure that competitive compensation and incentives will be given to balik scientist participants who will work in the VIP.
The institutionalization of the VIP is provided for under House Bill (HB) No. 6452. The lady lawmaker is one of the authors of the bill, which is a priority legislation of President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr.
The House passed the measure on third and final reading last December.
The legislation will “better equip the country with mechanisms and methods in dealing with another possible pandemic that could threaten the lives and livelihood of people", Villar said.
According to Villar, virologists play an important role in advancing a wide range of research when it comes to novel or emerging infectious diseases, in understanding virus biology including possible collaborations with researchers around the world, and developing potential antiviral drugs and vaccines for certain diseases.