House panel OKs bill seeking creation of virology institute

The House committee on appropriations on Friday approved the measure that seeks to establish a virology research institute in the Philippines.

Albay Representative Joey Salceda, principal author of the administration version of the bill, said the proposed Virology Institute of the Philippines (VIP) would help the country be prepared when a pandemic hits the country again in the future.

"It should be clear to all of us: preparation yields the best outcomes. The same goes for pandemics. It’s difficult to do because the rewards are not immediate. But the consequences to the unprepared can be catastrophic,” Salceda said.

Further, he said institute would be under the Department of Science and Technology.

Under the measure, the VIP “shall serve as the premier research and development institute in the field of virology, encompassing all areas in viruses and viral diseases in humans, plants, and animals."

"It shall act as a venue for scientists, both here and abroad, to work collaboratively to study viruses of agricultural, industrial, clinical, and environmental importance," the bill stated.

Also, the institute will work with international organizations and conduct innovative and pioneering research that will advance the frontiers of virology in the country, the bill indicated.  —LBG, GMA News