THE Department of Science and Technology (DoST) will get P284 million worth of funding in 2021 for the purchase of equipment and other needs that will be used to start research activities under the proposed Virology Science and Technology Institute of the Philippines (VIP). DoST Undersecretary for Research and Development Dr. Rowena Cristina Guevara sahred the news in the “DoST Report” episode aired on Oct. 30. Guevara underscored the importance of the VIP that would focus mainly on studying and developing 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 for pig, and kadang-kadang for coconut. Exploring all avenues, the Philippines will also join Gavi Covid-19 Vaccines Global Access (Covax) facility, a mechanism designed to guarantee rapid, fair and equitable access to Covid-19 vaccines worldwide.

Source: Manila Times November 08, 2020 16:28 UTC