Senator Bong Go renewed his call for the full implementation of the law establishing the Virology and Vaccine Institute of the Philippines, following the government’s announcement during the State of the Nation Address (SONA) that planning for the institute would begin.
Go said the institute has long been part of his advocacy to strengthen the country’s preparedness for infectious diseases and reduce its dependence on foreign sources for vaccines, diagnostics and other critical medical technologies.
“Malinaw ang naging aral ng pandemya. Hindi tayo maaaring palaging umaasa sa ibang bansa pagdating sa pananaliksik, testing, bakuna at iba pang kinakailangang tugon sa mga nakahahawang sakit,” the veteran legislator said.
“Kailangan nating magkaroon ng sariling kakayahan upang mas mabilis nating maprotektahan ang buhay at kalusugan ng mga Pilipino.”
“Kailangan nating magkaroon ng sariling kakayahan upang mas mabilis nating maprotektahan ang buhay at kalusugan ng mga Pilipino,” the seasoned lawmaker added.
The senator played a key role as principal author and co-sponsor of Republic Act No. 12290, or the Virology and Vaccine Institute of the Philippines Act.
The law establishes a national research institution dedicated to the study of viruses and viral diseases affecting humans, animals and plants. It also supports the development of vaccines, diagnostic tools, treatments and other technologies needed to address existing and emerging health threats.
He said the SONA announcement must be followed by concrete steps, including the preparation of an implementation plan, the allocation of sufficient funding and the development of modern research laboratories.
“Mayroon na tayong batas. Ang mahalaga ngayon ay maisakatuparan ito nang maayos at hindi manatili lamang sa plano,” Go said.
“Dapat magkaroon ang institution ng sapat na pondo, makabagong kagamitan at mga ekspertong kayang magsagawa ng tuloy-tuloy na pananaliksik,” he continued.
Go stressed that the institute could strengthen disease surveillance, accelerate the detection of dangerous pathogens and help the government respond more quickly during public health emergencies.
He added that domestic research and vaccine development would allow the Philippines to produce solutions suited to the country’s specific health conditions and needs.
“Kung mayroon tayong sariling mga eksperto at pasilidad, mas mabilis tayong makapagsusuri at makagagawa ng angkop na tugon.”
“Kapag may bagong virus o outbreak, bawat araw ay mahalaga. Kung mayroon tayong sariling mga eksperto at pasilidad, mas mabilis tayong makapagsusuri at makagagawa ng angkop na tugon,” Go said.
He also called for stronger support for Filipino scientists, virologists, epidemiologists and medical researchers, including competitive compensation, research grants and opportunities for advanced training.
Go said the government should encourage Filipino specialists working abroad to return and contribute their knowledge to the institute.
He also emphasized the importance of coordination among the Department of Health, Department of Science and Technology, universities, hospitals and other research institutions.
“Ang Virology and Vaccine Institute ay hindi lamang tugon sa nakaraang pandemya. Ito ay pangmatagalang pamumuhunan sa ating kalusugan, seguridad at kakayahang tumayo sa sarili,” Go said.
“Patuloy nating tututukan ang pagpapatupad ng batas upang maging handa ang bansa sa anumang bagong banta sa kalusugan,” he concluded.
