Nueva Ecija: The Department of Agriculture (DA) has announced the inauguration of a cutting-edge vaccine unit at the Center for Transboundary Animal Diseases (CenTrAD) in Nueva Ecija province.

According to Philippines News Agency, this state-of-the-art facility is a collaborative project between the Bureau of Animal Industry and Central Luzon State University (CLSU), aimed at addressing issues related to transboundary animal diseases through diagnosis, surveillance, research, and technology development.

Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. emphasized the role of the facility in bolstering the country's efforts against infectious diseases that threaten the swine and livestock industries. Laurel stated, "The National Animal Vaccination Program is about empowerment-empowering our farmers with knowledge, our veterinarians with resources, and our nation with the assurance that we are building a stronger, healthier future."

The CenTrAD is poised to tackle diseases such as avian influenza (AI), African swine fever (ASF), and foot-and-mouth disease (FMD), among others. Laurel highlighted the collaboration and scientific advancements embodied by the project, noting, "It is a testament to the power of science, the importance of collaboration, and the undeniable truth that prevention is always better than cure."

The government has earmarked PHP151 million for the vaccine development over a three-year period, which includes the acquisition of the country's first Biosafety Level 3 Laboratory (BSL-3). This facility will focus on research involving indigenous and toxic microbes to create vaccine prototypes by the end of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s term in 2028.

Currently, the PHP230-million CenTrAD is equipped with laboratories dedicated to microbiology, virology, parasitology, histopathology, and molecular assays. It also features an epidemiology training and digital analysis room, enhancing the center's capabilities in combating transboundary animal diseases.