Another House panel OKs creation of PH virology institute, CDC

MANILA, Philippines — Another committee in the House of Representatives approved on Monday the creation of the Philippine  Virology Science and Technology Institute and the Philippine Center for Disease Prevention and Control (CDPC).

During its meeting on Monday, the House committee on ways and means approved the tax provisions of the two measures seeking to boost the country’s expertise in virology and disease and prevention control.

Under the tax provisions of the two measures, donations, grants, gifts, endowments, legacies and contributions used actually, directly and exclusively for the purpose of both agencies shall be exempt from donor’s tax.

Both measures were earlier approved by the House committees on health and appropriations.

Center for Disease Prevention and Control

Under the bill, CDPC serves as the principal agency mandated to develop and apply communicable disease prevention and control initiatives.

It will also serve as the technical authority on all matters regarding disease prevention and control.

The CDPC will initially prioritize disease surveillance, prevention, and control of infectious diseases but may include non-communicable diseases upon positive recommendation by an independent study or body commissioned by the Department of Health at least five years after its creation.

If enacted, CDPC will be an attached agency of the DOH and remove the function of addressing the communicable disease concerns from the health department.

Furthermore, the bill mandates the undertaking of necessary reforms in the recruitment, training, employment, and management of the country’s public health emergency personnel.

Virology institute

Meanwhile, the Philippine  Virology Science and Technology Institute, which will be an attached agency of the Department of Science, will be “the premier research and development institute in the field of virology, encompassing all areas in viruses and viral diseases in humans, plants, and animals.”

The bill proposing the virology institute states that it will be a venue for scientists in the country and abroad to “work collaboratively to study viruses of agricultural, industrial, clinical, and environmental importance.”

Among the tasks of the institute include conducting scientific and technological research and development in virology, and conduct product research and development in the areas of diagnostics, therapeutics, and vaccines.

JE