Virology Institute to boost PH immunization self-reliance —DOH chief

The government’s planned Virology and Vaccine Institute will make the Philippines more self-reliant in immunization efforts, according to Health Secretary Jose Pujalte Jr. on Friday.

During his fifth State of the Nation Address (SONA), Marcos announced that efforts to establish the Virology and Vaccine Institute are underway. Pujalte said that this will help the Philippines create its own vaccines.

“Ang dahilan dito ay para ang bakunang magagawa natin ay akma sa mga sakit sa ating bansa, at ikalawa ay hindi tayo masyadong aasa sa banyagang tulong. Pangatlo, kung mayroon tayong sariling mga bakuna hindi na matatagalan bago dumating ang tulong sa ating mga taong-bayan,” Pujalte on the Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon public forum.

(The reason for this is to ensure that the vaccines we develop are suited to the diseases prevalent in our country. Second, it will reduce our dependence on foreign assistance. Third, having our own vaccines will enable us to deliver aid to our people more quickly, without having to wait long for supplies to arrive.)

Marcos signed the law establishing the Virology and Vaccine Institute of the Philippines in 2025. It has been one of the Marcos’ administration’s priority legislation since the beginning of his term.

Under the law, the Virology and Vaccine Institute is tasked with vaccine research, conducting pre-clinical research, developing diagnostics and treatments, and more.

The institute is also there to prepare the country for future public health emergencies such as the COVID-19 pandemic. —LDF, GMA News