BCDA, DOST FIRMING UP VIROLOGY INSTITUTE PROJECT IN NEW CLARK CITY

Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) and the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) are continuing discussions on creating a virology institute in New Clark City, signaling sustained commitment to establish such a facility.

The BCDA said on Tuesday that its president and CEO, Aileen Anunciacion Zosa and DOST Secretary Renato Solidum, Jr., held recent discussions on the initial phases of the five-hectare Virology and Vaccine Institute of the Philippines (VIP). These include the fencing and construction of access road and dormitory inside the facility.

The development of the main buildings and laboratories, as well as the utilities and support facilities as part of the phase 2 plan, was also discussed

Also discussed were the biosafety level 3 and 4 laboratory building that will be constructed as part of phase 3 development.

“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 in a statement.

Priority project

Meanwhile, DOST said that the proposed design and structure of buildings for the virolservice institute would follow the guidelines of the World Health Organization.

The government agency added that high containment laboratories would also undergo international certification before they could commence operations.

Aside from the mentioned facilities, the complex will also host an administration building, a lecture hall, good manufacturing product building, human and animal virology laboratory, plant virology laboratory, animal isolation, plant cultivation area, dormitory, power station and a sewage treatment plant.

A five-ha parcel of land has been allotted by the BCDA at the National Government Adschool ministrative Center in New Clark City to house the institute for a period of 50 years, which is extendable for another 25 years.

Funds have also been allocated for the Department of Public Works and Highways. This will be for the design, site development and construction of the buildings and facilities.

The creation of the VIP is one of the priority projects cited by President Marcos during his first State of the Nation Address, along with the proposed Centers for Disease Control.

The government has cited the importance of these projects in boosting the country’s capability to deal with future pandemic outbreaks.