DOST holding public consultations for virology institute's IRR

The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) is conducting a series of public consultations to draft the implementing rules and regulations (IRR) of Republic Act 12290 or the Virology and Vaccine Institute of the Philippines (VIP) Act.

In a statement on Wednesday, the DOST said an initial public consultation was conducted in Clark, Pampanga for Luzon, while another public consultation was held in Visayas.

The discussions tackled administrative and technical frameworks for the virology research institute.

“In the near future, the Institute will enable our country to conduct its own virology research, produce vaccines locally, and build a stronger national response against emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases. Our scientists and researchers will have the facilities to pursue research on pathogens with pandemic potential, understand their behavior, and develop diagnostic and preventive tools,” said DOST Secretary Renato Solidum, Jr. in a video message during the consultations.

“Through this, we ensure that we can respond from a position of readiness, competence, and self-reliance when the next health crisis arrives.”

The remaining consultations will be held in Mindanao and Metro Manila for the rest of January, with the final draft IRR targeted for February 2026.

RA 12290 was signed into law by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on September 19, 2025.

The Virology and Vaccine Institute of the Philippines will focus on developing vaccinations for uneradicated diseases and managing local strains of diseases. — JMA, GMA Integrated News