The Department of Science and Technology–Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (DOST-PCAARRD) led the Visayas regional consultation on the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of the Virology and Vaccine Institute of the Philippines (VIP) Act, also known as Republic Act No. 12290, at the Cebu Technological University (CTU) Main Campus on January 12, 2026.
The proposed IRR serves as the framework that will guide the planning and implementation of programs and projects in virology and vaccine research and development, strengthening the country’s scientific capacity through a One Health approach.
The consultation forms part of the government’s efforts to establish clear guidelines for the effective operationalization of the VIP, as mandated under RA 12290.
In his opening remarks, DOST Undersecretary for Special Concerns Teodoro M. Gatchalian underscored the importance of building national scientific capability.
“The establishment of the VIP is a recognition that science should not only respond to crises but anticipate them,” Gatchalian said.
“Disease surveillance is not a luxury but a necessity,” he added.
The consultation gathered DOST officials and stakeholders from government and private institutions, national agencies, and academe, as part of DOST’s nationwide effort to ensure that the IRR reflects diverse perspectives and supports effective implementation.
Dr. Ivy Corazon A. Mangaya-ay, consortium director of the Central Visayas Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development Consortium (CVAARRDEC), expressed optimism about the region’s contribution to shaping the framework.
“As a regional consortium, we look forward to contributing meaningfully as we institutionalize preparedness, where collaboration is the default rather than the exception,” Mangaya-ay said.
DOST-7 Regional Director Dr. Tristan L. Abando highlighted the collaborative role of the consortium in advancing development goals.
“Through this consortium, our universities, hospitals, research institutions, industries, and local governments work together to generate science-based solutions for health, food security, environmental sustainability, and industrial competitiveness,” Abando said.
Also present was CTU Officer-in-Charge–University President Dr. Pet Roey L. Pascual, who also serves as Vice President for Research and Development. Pascual emphasized that the VIP serves as a critical national platform for advancing virology and linking CTU’s expertise with national and global research initiatives.
In a video message, DOST Secretary Renato U. Solidum Jr. said the VIP strengthens research collaboration to safeguard public health, enhance food security, and build resilient systems.
The consultation featured presentations on the rationale and salient features of the law by DOST Undersecretary for Research and Development Leah J. Buendia, while DOST-Department of Legislative Liaison Office Director Lita S. Suerte Felipe discussed the VIP law’s legislative journey and the consultation process.
Panelists included Buendia, Gatchalian, DOST Legal Division representative Atty. Jordan C. Tiburan, and directors and executive directors from DOST sectoral councils: Dr. Jaime C. Montoya (DOST-PCHRD), Dr. Reynaldo V. Ebora (DOST-PCAARRD), Dr. Enrico C. Paringit (DOST-PCIEERD), Dr. Annabelle V. Briones (DOST-ITDI), and Felipe (DOST-DLLO).
Held at CTU, the Visayas consultation reaffirmed the university’s role as a key partner in advancing science-driven collaboration to strengthen public health, food security, and national resilience.
