Senators Alan Peter and Pia Cayetano are pushing for the establishment of the Virology Institute of the Philippines (VIP), a new agency focused on virology research and vaccine development.
The sibling senators filed Senate Bill No. 2893 under Committee Report No. 196, which seeks to create the VIP in response to the growing threat of pathogens and disease-causing agents that affect humans, animals, and plants.
During the plenary session on December 9, 2024, Senator Pia emphasized that the VIP would complement the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine (RITM) and strengthen the country’s research and development efforts on viral diseases.
“The goal was to create a well-considered and strategic bill – not a reactionary measure driven by panic but one that effectively addresses the country’s needs without wasting our limited resources,” she said.
Currently, the RITM focuses on research related to infectious and tropical diseases. Once established, the VIP will enhance the nation’s capacity to study emerging and recurring viral diseases and develop vaccines.
Senator Alan, who initiated public hearings on the bill as chair of the Senate Science and Technology Committee, stressed the urgency of addressing public health and economic challenges.
“The entire government must, and will, act quickly to address the public health and economic crisis that threatens the lives and livelihood of our kababayan,” he said.IMT
