Palace: Duterte reviewing proposal to establish virology institute

President Duterte is reviewing a proposal to establish a Virology Science and Technology Institute of the Philippines, which would serve as a premier research institute for virology and diseases.

The proposed institute aims to strengthen local vaccine development in the country.

Duterte's spokesperson Harry Roque said that while the Philippines participates in global efforts to develop a COVID-19 vaccine, there is a need for long-term plans to benefit the country in the future.

The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and Senator Panfilo Lacson have advocated for the establishment of this institute at New Clark City in Tarlac.