Manila: The Presidential Communications Office (PCO) underscored the necessity of establishing a virology and vaccine hub to bolster the Philippines' readiness for future pandemics.
According to Philippines News Agency, the PCO confirmed that President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. signed Republic Act (RA) 12290, which establishes the Virology and Vaccine Institute of the Philippines (VIP). This national research center will focus on the study of viruses, pathogens, and the development of vaccines. The creation of the VIP is considered a pivotal step in enhancing the nation's capacity to address future pandemics and other public health threats while driving innovation in science and technology.
The VIP is set to become the leading institution for research on potential disease-causing agents impacting humans, plants, animals, and the environment. Signed into law on September 12, RA 12290 mandates the VIP to conduct comprehensive vaccine research and develop diagnostics and therapeutics for both emerging and reemerging infectious diseases.
Initially proposed during the Covid-19 pandemic, the VIP Act aims to establish a cutting-edge research institute dedicated to studying viruses, developing vaccines, diagnostics, and treatments, thus ensuring the country's preparedness for future health emergencies. The institute will be led by a director who will report research findings to a board co-chaired by the secretaries of the Department of Science and Technology, Department of Health (DOH), and Department of Agriculture.
RA 12290 also stipulates that the VIP must submit an annual report to the President and the Committees on Science and Technology of the Senate and House of Representatives by March 30 each year. The institute will engage in discovery programs in virology, molecular biology, and bioinformatics, while forging partnerships with local and international research institutions.
The PCO revealed that the VIP will invest in advanced virology infrastructure, including high-containment facilities, biobanks, and genome laboratories. The law also includes provisions for training experts, providing technical assistance to research communities, and disseminating evidence-based policy recommendations.
Furthermore, the newly enacted law declares the state's policy to safeguard the people's right to health and acknowledges the crucial role of science and technology in national development. RA 12290 adopts the 'One Health' approach, recognizing the interconnectedness of human, animal, plant, and environmental health, ensuring that virology research will address not only human health concerns but also agricultural and ecological issues.
Under the new law, the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine (RITM) will maintain its functions under the DOH while collaborating closely with the VIP. The RITM will continue to provide expertise in detecting and identifying emerging infectious diseases and offering laboratory support.
Findings from the VIP, RITM, and other relevant agencies will be integrated into the plans of the Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases and the National Task Force against animal-borne diseases, or their successor bodies, to fortify the country's response to public health emergencies. Malaca±ang has yet to release a copy of RA 12290.
