Abra: Abra Lone District Rep. JB Bernos on Friday expressed support for the Department of Agriculture's launch of the Animal Vaccine Development Program (AVDP), emphasizing its importance for enhancing the resilience of the livestock sector and ensuring food security in the Philippines. "Our ability to develop our own animal vaccines could mean easier and greater access to cheaper vaccines that could possibly be more effective at battling local pathogen strains," Bernos stated.

According to Philippines News Agency, the Department of Agriculture, in collaboration with the DA-National Livestock Program, Bureau of Animal Industry, Philippine Carabao Center, and Central Luzon State University, initiated the AVDP on June 15. The program includes the establishment of a Biosafety Level 3 facility designed for the safe handling of high-risk animal pathogens and the acceleration of vaccine development. This laboratory will also be instrumental in supporting advanced research, technical training, and disease preparedness efforts, with a focus on vaccine candidates for African swine fever and foot-and-mouth disease.

The DA has allocated PHP140.9 million for the program over three years: PHP77.6 million for the current year, PHP30.6 million for 2027, and PHP32.7 million for 2028. Bernos, a member of the committee on agriculture and food, highlighted the necessity for the Philippines to produce its own animal vaccines instead of depending on imports. He noted that local vaccines would be more affordable, tailored to area-specific strains, and ensure supply stability even during global shortages.

Bernos also expressed confidence in the capability of Filipino scientists, stating, "I also believe that we have enough brilliant scientists who are more than capable of developing the vaccines that we need. Kailangan lamang natin silang bigyan ng sapat na suporta (We only need to provide them with ample support)."