PBBM vows funding for virology, vaccine institute

FUND REQUEST. President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Wednesday (Jan. 15, 2025) meets with the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) at Malacañan Palace in Manila. During the meeting, DOST Secretary Renato Solidum Jr. asked for funds for the continued construction of the proposed Virology and Vaccine Institute of the Philippines building at the New Clark City in Capas, Tarlac. (Photo from the Presidential Communications Office)

By Ruth Abbey Gita-Carlos, Philippine News Agency

MANILA – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Wednesday pledged to find ways to secure funding for the continued construction of the five-hectare Virology and Vaccine Institute of the Philippines (VIP) building at the New Clark City in Capas, Tarlac.

Marcos made the vow following the Department of Science and Technology’s (DOST) funding request for the VIP project to prevent delays and avoid structural deterioration of the VIP Administration Building.

During the meeting, DOST Secretary Renato Solidum Jr. told Marcos that around PHP680 million is needed for the VIP and its planned initiatives, including the development of vaccines for humans, animals and plants.

Marcos acknowledged the importance of the establishment of the VIP in preparation for another possible global pandemic.

“I think in the immediate future, okay. We prepare for the big one, the big pandemic,” Marcos told Solidum as quoted by the Presidential Communications Office in a news release. “But really, it’s for the animals and the plants.”

Marcos held a meeting with the DOST to discuss the agency’s 2025 budget and its upcoming programs and projects.

Solidum noted that for this year’s spending plan, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has no allocated budget for the VIP.

Marcos assured Solidum of his support for the VIP, saying he would look for funding sources to ensure the completion of the project.

Solidum said the VIP would not be limited to human health concerns, adding that it would also address viruses affecting animal and plant health.

“There are more balikbayan (returning) scientists [now] na gusto tumulong sa atin (who want to help us). We just need this facility,” he said, referring to the VIP.

The creation of VIP is one of the priority projects of the current administration mentioned during Marcos’ first State of the Nation Address. Once completed, it will become an attached agency under the DOST.

The VIP is envisioned to be the premier research and development institute in the field of virology, encompassing all areas of viruses and viral diseases in humans, plants, and animals.

Its establishment is seen as a sustainable approach against other possible emerging, re-emerging, and novel viruses that may arise in the future.