DOST to focus on developing ASF vaccines

BAGUIO CITY — The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) is currently placing their focus on developing vaccines to combat African Swine Fever (ASF).

During an interview at the Handa Pilipinas sa Bagong Pilipinas 2025 Luzon Leg on Thursday, DOST Secretary Renato Solidum Jr. said that the agency was still waiting for the bill on the proposed virology issued to be signed, but are currently looking into developing preventions for ASF.

“Even though we were still developing that bill in Congress and in the Senate, the lower house and the Senate in Congress, we have been funding virology and vaccine research projects… We’re looking into ASF,” he said.

“The virology is not simply preparing for the next pandemic, but also to address current food security issues like African Swine Fever and plant diseases that are existing that are affecting our food production,” he added.

Earlier, the DOST launched several rapid testing kits for ASF as part of their efforts to protect the Philippine swine industry.

“We showed the technology how to get DNA out of blood and how to analyze it faster. We hope to develop a vaccine together and perhaps other private companies can do it,” Solidum said. — BM, GMA Integrated News