Swift New Clark City virology institute construction sought

NEW CLARK CITY — The Bases Conversion and Development Authority and the Department of Science and Technology are seeking to expedite the construction of the Virology and Vaccine Institute of the Philippines here.

During a meeting between the two agencies, BCDA president and chief executive officer Aileen Zosa and DoST Secretary Renato U. Solidum Jr. agreed that the construction of the five hectare virology institute is of utmost importance for the country.

The two officials also discussed the initial phases of the project, citing the need for the fencing and construction of an access road and dormitory.

They also discussed Phase 3 of the subject that includes the construction of the Biosafety Level 3 and 4 laboratory building.

Solidum said that Phase 2 will include the development of the main buildings and laboratories as well as the utilities and support facilities of the site.

The DoST added that the proposed design and structure of buildings for the VIP will follow the guidelines of the World Health Organization and high containment laboratories will undergo international certification before they can commence operations.

The facilities comprising the VIP complex include an 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.

BCDA allotted a five-hectare parcel of land at the National Government Administrative Center in New Clark City to house the VIP for a period of 50 years, which may be extended for another 25 years.

“We welcome this development as we are equally excited to work with DoST for this project. Learning from the pandemic, I believe the VIP is a significant step towards advancing the country’s capabilities in managing viruses and viral diseases,” Zosa said.

The national government has allocated funds to the Department of Public Works and Highways for the design, site development, and construction of the VIP buildings and facilities.

On 5 December 2022, the House of Representatives passed on the third and final reading of House Bill 6452, the consolidation of 31 bills that seek for the establishment of a virology institute.

The creation of the Virology and Vaccine Institute of the Philippines is one of the priority projects of President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr., mentioned during his first State of the Nation Address. Once completed, it will become an attached agency under the DoST.