President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Wednesday assured that the government will find ways to fund the continued construction of the Virology and Vaccine Institute of the Philippines in New Clark City in Capas, Tarlac.
This was after Marcos met with Science and Technology Secretary Renato Solidum in Malacañang to discuss the request for funds for the continued construction of the VIP building.
This is to prevent delays in the VIP’s completion and avoid structural deterioration of the VIP administration building.
Located in Capas, Tarlac, the VIP is envisioned to be the Philippines’ prime institution for research and innovation on human, animal, and plant viruses.
“We find money for this when we are able to identify the specific items as you know not ready for implementation. Yung hindi kumpleto ang papeles,” Marcos.
He went on: “I think in the immediate future, okay. We prepare for the big one, the big pandemic.”
Marcos met with Department of Science and Technology officials to discuss the agency’s P7.75 billion budget for 2025 and its upcoming programs and projects.
During the meeting, Solidum said the 2025 National Expenditure Program did not include an allocation for the VIP in the budget of the Department of Public Works and Highways.
He said the VIP would not be limited to human health concerns, but would also conduct research on viruses affecting animal and plant health.
Solidum said the VIP needs P680 million to pursue its plans including the development of vaccines for humans, animals and plants.
“There are more balikbayan scientists na gusto tumulong sa atin. We just need this facility,” the DOST chief added.
The creation of the VIP is one of the priority measures that Marcos mentioned in his first State of the Nation Address in 2022.
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