Virology institute to deal with uneradicated diseases, local strains of illnesses

BACOLOD CITY – The Virology and Vaccine Institute of the Philippines will focus on developing vaccinations for uneradicated diseases and managing local strains of diseases, the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) said on Tuesday.

“When we look at the virology and vaccines it is not like addressing a specific issue seasonally. We approach things as one health, looking at possible problems for humans, plants and animals,” said DOST Secretary Renato Solidum Jr. in an interview during the HANDA Pilipinas 2025 Visayas leg.

He said the institute’s goal is to develop and create the Philippines’ own vaccines.

Currently, the VVIP is focusing on vaccines for African swine fever, plant diseases for important crops, and uneradicated diseases like tuberculosis.

“The reason why we cannot eradicate tuberculosis is that there are strains that are only endemic in the Philippines. We cannot just use the vaccines created with the purpose of globally eradicating it. We have to have a specific vaccine for a specific strain,” Solidum said.

Although the Department of Health (DOH) was operationally in charge of leading the vaccinations, Solidum said they have been funding and prioritizing research with a global team even before the law that created the VVIP was passed.

“The concern that we have for viruses and other diseases is a global concern. Our approach here is Filipinos and even foreigners who want to work with us, DOST,” he added.

The law establishing the VVIP was signed into law on Sept. 19 to enhance the Philippines’ response to future pandemics and public health issues.

With the VVIP, the DOST said the country’s capacity to “anticipate, detect, and respond to emerging and re-emerging viral threats” would be improved. — JMA, GMA Integrated News