BCDA allocates 5-hectare land for construction of virology facility in New Clark City

The Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) on Monday said it has allocated a five-hectare land in New Clark City for the construction of the proposed Virology Science and Technology Institute of the Philippines (VIP).

In a statement, BCDA said the lot has been identified and earmarked under an agreement signed by the BCDA and the Department of Science and Technology (DOST).

This, the agency said, would bring the government one step closer towards the formation of the VIP that "will strengthen our wall of protection against infectious diseases."

"BCDA recognizes the value of this virology research center in our battle against the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as any other infectious diseases which may endanger us in the future," BCDA President and Chief Executive Officer Aileen Zosa said.

"That is why the BCDA entered into this arrangement with DOST for a property in New Clark City, which will host this significant institution."

The creation of VIP is one of the legislative measures that President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. asked Congress to pass during his first State of the Nation Address in July.

According to Marcos, the VIP will be an attached agency of the DOST, adding all offices and units under the DOST with functions related to virology shall be transferred to the VIP.

In August, Marcos reiterated his call for the creation of the institute to help improve the country's healthcare system.

Marcos said he has been in consultation with the House of Representatives and the Senate "to create these agencies so that we can bring them to bear in what we are up to now continuing to have to fight."

At least six bills seeking to create the VIP have been filed in the Senate in the 19th Congress.

VIP in New Clark City

While waiting for Congress to pass the bill, BCDA said the DOST has started its research and preparations such as the negotiations and signing of an agreement.

Under the agreement, the BCDA would be allocating a five-hectare parcel of land in New Clark City for a period of 50 years, which may be extended for another 25 years.

The agency added that the site development and construction of VIP facilities shall be financed by the DOST and be completed within six years from the signing of the agreement.

“Furthermore, the DOST shall submit within six months from the signing a Comprehensive Development Plan for the property, which must comply with the New Clark City Comprehensive Development Master Plan, and Design Standards and Guidelines. This ensures that the property will adhere to principles of smart, sustainable and safe design,” the BCDA said.

According to the BCDA, the VIP complex will be comprised of the following:

• administration building,
• lecture hall,
• good manufacturing product building,
• human and animal virology laboratory,
• plant virology laboratory,
• animal isolation,
• Biosafety Level 3 and 4 laboratory building,
• plant cultivation area,
• dormitory,
• power station and,
• a sewage treatment plant

“In view of the health sector’s emerging needs brought about by COVID-19, the VIP has been a priority of the Marcos administration, along with the proposed Centers for Disease Control, due to their importance in boosting the Philippines’ capacity in dealing with current and future pandemics,” the BCDA said. —Mel Matthew Doctor/KBK, GMA News