PH to develop own vaccines with Virology Institute, DOH chief says

The Philippines will significantly boost its self-reliance in immunization efforts with the establishment of the planned Virology and Vaccine Institute, according to Health Secretary Jose Pujalte Jr. During his fifth State of the Nation Address (SONA), President Ferdinand Marcos announced that efforts to establish the Virology and Vaccine Institute are underway. Pujalte stated that this will help the Philippines create its own vaccines, making them suitable for diseases prevalent in the country. He also highlighted that this initiative will reduce dependence on foreign assistance and expedite the delivery of aid to the Filipino people. "The reason for this is to ensure that the vaccines we develop are suited to the diseases prevalent in our country. Second, it will reduce our dependence on foreign assistance. Third, having our own vaccines will enable us to deliver aid to our people more quickly, without having to wait long for supplies to arrive," Pujalte said on the Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon public forum. President Marcos signed the law establishing the Virology and Vaccine Institute of the Philippines in 2025. This has been a priority legislation since the beginning of his administration. Under the law, the institute will be tasked with vaccine research, conducting pre-clinical research, and developing diagnostics and treatments. It will also prepare the country for future public health emergencies, such as the COVID-19 pandemic. —LDF, GMA News