By Katrina Gracia Consebido
The Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) has allocated a five-hectare land in New Clark City for the construction of the proposed Virology Science and Technology Institute of the Philippines (VIP).
The lot has been identified and earmarked under an agreement signed by the BCDA and the Department of Science and Technology (DOST).
BCDA said the joint partnership will “strengthen the wall of protection against infectious diseases.”
“BCDA recognizes the value of this virology research center in our battle against the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as any other infectious diseases which may endanger us in the future,” BCDA President and Chief Executive Officer Aileen Zosa said.
“That is why the BCDA entered into this arrangement with DOST for a property in New Clark City, which will host this significant institution,” Zosa added.
The VIP facility complex will include administration building, lecture hall, good manufacturing product building, human and animal virology laboratory, plant virology laboratory, animal isolation, Biosafety Level 3 and 4 laboratory building, plant cultivation area, dormitory, power station, and a sewage treatment plant. – gb