Marcos signs Virology and Vaccine Institute of the Philippines Act
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. (Photo courtesy of PCO)
President Marcos has signed into law a measure that seeks to establish a Virology and Vaccine Institute that will focus on research and development to address disease-causing agents affecting plants, animals, and humans.
Marcos has signed Republic Act No. 12290 or the Virology and Vaccine Institute of the Philippines (VIP) Act on Sept. 12.
The institute shall be an attached agency of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST).
The law stated that the VIP shall serve as the lead convener for research and development in the field of virology, encompassing all kinds of viruses and other pathogens in plants, animals, and humans.
"It shall be a venue for scientists, researchers, government agencies, research institutes, and other organizations in the Philippines and abroad to work collaboratively in studying viruses and other pathogens of agricultural, industrial, clinical, and environmental importance," the law read.
Under the law, the State shall adopt a One Health approach in addressing health issues, recognizing the interconnectedness of humans, animals, plants, and their shared environment.
Thus, a Virology and Vaccine Institute shall be established to undertake discovery programs in the field of virology and related disciplines, including molecular biology, bioinformatics, and other related fields of research.
It shall conduct vaccine research primarily from discovery to the pre-clinical phase of development and research and development of diagnostics and therapeutics on viruses and other pathogens.
It shall also collaborate, coordinate, and disseminate evidence-based policies on virology and vaccine science to stakeholders; establish linkages with local and international networks through cooperation and collaboration with institutions engaged in virology and vaccine research and development; and training and engaging with experts for capacity building of virology and vaccine research.
The institute shall also be mandated to invest and operate on virology infrastructure, including high-containment facilities, biobanks, and genome laboratories, for the research of potential emerging and reemerging outbreaks.
It shall also provide technical assistance and laboratory use to support research communities.
The VIP shall be headed by a Director and assisted by two Deputy Directors— one for Research and Development and one for Support, Policy, and Linkages.