Senate approves bill creating Virology Institute of the Philippines

The Senate has approved on final reading a bill to establish the Virology Institute of the Philippines (VIP) with a unanimous vote of 19-0-0.

Senate Bill 2893 aims to create the VIP to concentrate on research and development concerning pathogens and potential disease-causing agents affecting plants, animals, and humans.

The institute's responsibilities will encompass discovery programs in virology, vaccine research, and the development of prototype diagnostics and therapeutics for viruses and other pathogens.

The VIP will be an attached agency of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and will collaborate with institutions like the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine.

The institute will be led by a director and two deputy directors, with a board comprising various government officials and private sector representatives.