Manila,September 18 (AseanAll)  —  Philippine President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has signed into law Republic Act No. 12290 establishing the Virology and Vaccine Institute of the Philippines (VIP), a national research center focused on studies of viruses, pathogens, and vaccine development to strengthen the country’s health security.

The creation of the VIP is viewed as a landmark move to enhance the Philippines’ capacity to respond to future pandemics and other public health threats, while also fostering innovation in science and technology.

Signed on September 12, 2025 by Philippine President Marcos, RA 12290 tasked the VIP to conduct vaccine research, from discovery to pre-clinical phases, and develop diagnostics and therapeutics for emerging and reemerging infectious diseases.

Initially discussed during the COVID-19 pandemic, the VIP Act aims to establish a state-of-the-art research institute focused on studying viruses; developing vaccines, diagnostics, and treatments; and preparing the country for future health emergencies.

The Institute will also carry out discovery programs in virology, molecular biology, and bioinformatics, while building partnerships with local and international research institutions.

To support this mandate, the VIP will invest in advanced virology infrastructure, including high-containment facilities, biobanks, and genome laboratories. The law also provides for the training of experts, technical assistance to research communities, and the dissemination of evidence-based policy recommendations.

The measure adopts the One Health approach, recognizing the interconnectedness of human, animal, plant, and environmental health, ensuring that virology research will not only address human health concerns but also agricultural and ecological challenges.

The VIP will be headed by a director, who shall report the results of research and development studies to the VIP Board, chaired by the Secretary of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and co-chaired by the Secretary of the Department of Health (DOH) and the Secretary of the Department of Agriculture (DA).

The VIP shall submit its annual report to the President and to the Committees on Science and Technology of both Houses of Congress no later than March 30 annually.

The newly enacted law declares the policy of the State to safeguard the people’s right to health and recognize the critical role of science and technology in national development. The VIP will serve as the country’s lead institution for research on potential disease-causing agents affecting humans, plants, animals, and the environment.

Under the law, the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine (RITM) will keep its current functions under the DOH while working closely with the VIP.

The RITM will continue providing expertise in detecting and identifying emerging infectious diseases and offering laboratory support.

Findings from the VIP, RITM, and other concerned agencies will be integrated into the plans of the Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases and the National Task Force against animal-borne diseases, or their successor bodies, to strengthen the country’s response to public health emergencies.