Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, May 5) — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said he hopes to get assistance from the United States in establishing the proposed virology and vaccine institute in the country, which he earlier identified as an administration priority.
\”Building on our science, technology, and innovation engagements, we hope to work with the United States in establishing the Virology and Vaccine Institute of the Philippines (VVIP),” Marcos said in a forum hosted by the Center for Strategic & International Studies in Washington on Friday (Philippine time).
The president said both countries can jointly work on the training of technicians and specialists, including providing post-graduate education scholarships.
Both sides can also partner to provide necessary equipment for the facility, he added.
In August of last year, Marcos said he had been in consultation with Congress to pass bills to create the VVIP, as well as the country’s own Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Meanwhile, the president added that he looks forward to welcoming pharmaceutical companies which are open to designating the Philippines as a base for their vaccine manufacturing and distribution.
Earlier, Malacañang announced that US-based firm Moderna has informed Marcos of its plan to set up a vaccine-making facility in Manila which will serve the Asia-Pacific region.
The Palace said that once operational, it will be Moderna’s only shared service facility in Asia and the third in the world following Poland and Georgia in the US.
