THE DEPARTMENT of Science and Technology was allotted P284 million for the purchase of equipment and other materials needed to start research activities under the proposed Virology Science and Technology Institute of the Philippines.

Undersecretary Rowena Cristina L. Guevara said that the money was included in the proposed budget for the department for 2021.

The proposed virology institute will be the country’s premier research facility encompassing all areas in the study of viruses and viral diseases.

Guevara said the VIP will focus on the study and development of vaccines on humans, animals, and plants. She said that there are research projects that have been approved and these would focus on the ZIKA virus, African Swine Flu, and kadang-kadang for coconut.

The bill creating the VIP is pending in Congress.

The creation of the VIP would undergo two phases, Guevarra explained. The first phase will organize Filipino researchers who have been doing virology on humans, animals, and plants. The second will be establish the building or research facility that will take around two years to complete.