By Gabriela Baron
Filipinos will benefit from the establishment of the Virology and Vaccine Institute of the Philippines (VIP), the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) secretary said Monday, April 11.
The VIP, DOST Secretary Fortunato de la Peña said, is envisioned to be the country’s foundation of research on human, animal, and plant viruses in the next 10 to 15 years.
De la Peña said the emergence of SARS-CoV-2, a novel strain of the coronavirus in 2020, highlighted the need for research and development capacities in virology research.
He furthered that the creation of VIP would help the country prepare for similar health crises like the COVID-19 pandemic.
“The DOST initiated the establishment of the VIP to have the necessary capability in conducting research to combat novel, emerging, and re-emerging viral diseases,” de la Pena stressed.
The DOST chief said the first five to six years of the VIP will focus on growing local expertise in virology research.
The VIP is also eyed to serve as a collaborative hub for both Filipino and foreign researchers.
In 2021, President Rodrigo Duterte asked the Congress to enact a law creating the VIP and the Center for Disease Prevention and Control. – ag
