Senator Christopher Bong Go renewed his call for the passage of a bill that seeks to establish the Virology Science and Technology Institute of the Philippines or Senate Bill 196.

Under the proposed SBN 196, the VIP will serve as the principal laboratory of the country in providing virology laboratory investigations, research, and technical coordination of the entire network of virology laboratories nationwide.

The bill shall likewise provide guidelines for the establishment and operation of testing, reference, and biosafety Levels 1, 2, 3 and 4 research laboratories throughout the country.

“Under the 2023 national budget, we have earmarked P419 million under the office of the Department of Science and Technology under the Office of Secretary for the Virology Institute of the Philippines to finance the research and development projects,” Go said.

The Department of Science and Technology and the Bases Conversion and Development Authority have been working together for the immediate construction of the five-hectare VIP in New Clark City in Capas, Tarlac.

Meanwhile, the senator personally inspected a Super Health Center on Tuesday in San Pedro City, Laguna.

Go expressed his confidence that the establishment of more Super Health Centers across the country will significantly help reduce hospital occupancy rates further and will bring basic but vital health services closer to the people most in need of medical attention.

Just a day ago, the senator also inspected one of the infrastructure projects he and former president Rodrigo Duterte helped fund in Bulacan — the San Jose del Monte City Convention Center.

During the inspection, he was accompanied by SJDMC Mayor Arturo Robes, Vice Mayor Efren Bartolome Jr. and Representative Rida Robes, among others.

The lawmaker also lauded the groundbreaking of a Super Health Center in Kitaotao, Bukidnon on the same day, commending fellow legislators, especially Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri who is from Bukidnon, local government officials, and health workers for their dedication and commitment to improving the healthcare services in their community.

He highlighted the significance of the Super Health Center in Kitaotao, as it will provide various medical services to the residents and nearby towns.