Virology center gets P283M in ’22 NEP

AS one of the priority measures of the Duterte administration, the establishment of the Virology Institute of the Philippines (VIP) has firm funding priority—p283 million—in the 2022 National Expenditure Program (NEP), according to the chairman of the House Committee on Health.

Quezon Rep. Angelina “Helen” Tan, sponsor and principal author of the bill, said the two chambers of Congress are expected to fast-track the bill creating the VIP, as requested by President Duterte in his State of the Nation Address (SONA).

Tan said the House of Representatives approved on third and final reading last week House Bill 9559 seeking to establish a virology research institute in the Philippines as the premier research and development institution in the field of virology.

Tan said that establishment of the Virology Science and Technology Institute of the Philippines seeks to focus on key development areas for virology science and technology applications in plants, animals, and humans.

She stressed that VIP shall facilitate the country’s preparation against a pandemic or public health emergencies.

The VIP shall serve as the premier research and development institute and establish strategic partnerships with the world’s leading scientists, virology centers, and institutes, and conduct innovative and pioneering researches that will advance the frontiers of virology in the country.

“The VIP shall implement policies, plans, programs, and projects for the development of virology science and technology in the country and the promotion of scientific and technological activities for both the public and private sectors,” Tan said.

It shall ensure that the results of these activities are properly applied towards selfreliance and utilized to accelerate economic and social development towards the protection of the citizens and its resources,” Tan added.