President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Wednesday assured the Department of Science and Technology (DoST) that the administration will find ways to fund the construction of the Virology and Vaccine Institute of the Philippines (VIP).

This comes after DoST Secretary Renato Solidum revealed that the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) did not allocate funding for the construction of the VIP.

Solidum added that he made the fund request to prevent delays and avoid structural deterioration of the VIP Administration Building.

“We (will) find money for this when we are able to identify the specific items, as you know, not ready for implementation. The ones that do not have complete documents,” the President told Solidum.

Marcos also reiterated his support to the department particularly on its preparation for the next pandemic.

“I think in the immediate future, okay. We prepare for the big one, the big pandemic,” Marcos told Solidum.

The VIP was established to conduct research on viruses and viral diseases. Marcos hoped that the DoST would study animals and plants through the VIP.

Solidum, on the other hand, assured Marcos that the VIP would not be limited to human health concerns, but would also address viruses affecting animal and plant health.

According to the DoST chief, the agency will need P680 million to pursue its plans for the VIP including the development of vaccines for humans, animals and plants.

He added that more Filipino scientists who have worked overseas have come home and expressed their desire to contribute to the country’s research pursuits.