Citing the ongoing scramble for limited global supply of COVID-19 vaccines, Senator Christopher “Bong” Go expressed support for proposals to create a government body that will enable the country to manufacture or even develop its own vaccines against future pandemics.
“Suportado ko po ang panukala na magkaroon ng ahensya o institute o lab that will enable us to produce our own vaccine. Alam n’yo po, matatalino ang mga Pilipino. Magagaling din ang mga scientists (natin). Ito pong pandemya, itong virus na ito ay posible po itong muling dumating sa susunod na henerasyon (I support the proposal creating an agency or institute or lab that will enable us to produce our own vaccine. You know, Filipinos are smart. Our scientists are also brilliant. This pandemic, this virus could possibly come back in the future generation,” Go explained during the inauguration of the Quezon Central Market in Quezon, Bukidnon on Saturday, March 20, where he also distributed assistance to 650 market vendors and peddlers.
“Mas mabuting handa tayo. Mas mabuting mayroon tayong manufacturing ng bakuna para ‘di na tayo maipit. Iniipit nila tayo. Balita namin, ibang countries dino-doble po ang presyo pero kawawa po tayo. Napapanahon na po na magkaroon tayo ng sarili nating kapasidad dito sa ating bansa (It is better for us to be ready. It is better to manufacture our own vaccines They have been holding it off from us. We heard the news that some countries even double the prices and we are left at their mercy. It is about time that we have our own capability right here in our country),” he added.
While the country does not fall short of great scientific minds who can contribute to such undertaking, Sen. Go noted that that they have to be given clear direction and sufficient funding.
In his State of the Nation Address in July last year, President Rodrigo Duterte asked Congress to pass a measure creating the country’s own center for disease control and prevention. Earlier this month, the House of Representatives approved on the committee level House Bill No. 6096 which establishes said agency. – Louisa Erispe
