DOST to continue role on COVID-19 vaccine evaluation, selection
MANILA, Philippines — Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Secretary Fortunato de la Peña said Friday he was told that his office will continue with its task on vaccine evaluation and selection even with the recent designation of National Task Force (NTF) on COVID-19 chief implementer Carlito Galvez Jr. as the country’s vaccine czar.
In an online briefing, de la Peña said he is supporting Galvez’ designation as vaccine czar, adding that the appointment of officials to lead COVID-19-related measures has been “effective” in the past.
“Kahapon naman ay nag-meeting ang IATF (Inter-Agency Task Force) at kanyang ipinaliwanag kung ano ang magiging bagong set-up or structure, at kami’y naniniwala na makabubuti na magkaroon ng isang vaccine czar na siyang, ika nga, the buck stops there. Kahit na marami kaming involved ay mayroong isa sa itaas na talagang nakakaalam,” de la Peña said.
(The IATF met yesterday and it was explained how the new set-up or structure will work and we believe that it will be beneficial to have one vaccine czar, the buck stops there. Even though there are a lot of people involved, there is one person who really knows what to do.)
“Malaking bagay na magkaroon ng vaccine czar. Nakita naman natin na nangyari na rin ‘yan sa pagkakaroon ng mga czar sa testing, sa iba-iba pang steps na naging effective naman,” he added.
(It is a huge thing to have a vaccine czar. We saw that happen with having a testing czar and other steps and it has been effective.)
Article continues after this advertisementDe la Peña said that the DOST will have a meeting with Galvez on Friday afternoon to discuss the details of their set-up. He added that the detailed responsibilities of the DOST will also be tackled during the meeting.
Article continues after this advertisement“But we were told that we will carry on with our role with evaluation and selection,” de la Peña said.
To recall, the IATF earlier formed a sub-technical working group on COVID-19 vaccine development led by the DOST.
In an earlier televised meeting with government’s key officials, President Rodrigo Duterte announced that he has Galvez as the country’s vaccine czar.
Duterte noted he wants a single line of authority when it comes to the purchase of the expected vaccine against COVID-19.
