"I want to emphasize the importance of sustained local support for scientists and scientific institutions in the Philippines and elsewhere," Fauci said. US President Joe Biden's chief medical advisor added: "It is also an essential for economic vitality and growth." Fauci added it is also Filipino scientists continuing to lead research on dengue and other diseases such as malaria and schistosomiasis. "Hopefully, this institution and others will continue to receive Philippine government support, so they remain competitive for both funding and talent," Fauci continued. He said he is looking forward to the Emerging Infectious Diseases in the Pacific Rim conference in 2022, which the DOST offered to co-host with NIAID and Japan.

Source: Philippine Star July 13, 2021 12:11 UTC