The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) has started its series of public consultations for the draft implementing rules and regulations (IRR) of the newly signed Virology and Vaccine Institute of the Philippines (VIP) Act.
Representatives from government, academe, industry, research institutions, and civil society gather in Clark, Pampanga on November 13, 2025 for the Luzon leg of the Department of Science and Technology’s first public consultation on the draft Implementing Rules and Regulations of the newly signed Virology and Vaccine Institute of the Philippines (VIP) Act. (Photo from the DOST-Philippine Council for Health Research and Development)
The Luzon leg, the first of four consultations, was led by the DOST-Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (DOST-PCHRD) on November 13, 2025, at the Hilltop, Quest Hotel in Clark, Pampanga.
In his message, DOST Secretary Renato U. Solidum, Jr. shared that the public consultations aim to ensure the success of the VIP.
“More than a technical discussion, this public consultation would affirm our shared responsibility in building a nation guided by science and technology, anchored in cooperation, and sustained by the pursuit of public welfare and safety,” he said.
DOST Undersecretary for Research and Development Dr. Leah J. Buendia led the public consultation, alongside DOST-PCHRD Executive Director Dr. Jaime C. Montoya; DOST-Philippine Council for Industry, Energy and Emerging Technology Research and Development Exec. Dir. Enrico C. Paringit; DOST-Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development Exec. Dir. Reynaldo V. Ebora; DOST-Industrial Technology Development Institute Director Dr. Annabelle V. Briones; Department of Legislative Liaison Office Director Dr. Lita S. Suerte Felipe; and Atty. Jordan C. Tiburan from the DOST Legal team.
According to DOST Usec. Leah J. Buendia, the IRR will provide the framework that will guide how the VIP Law will be carried out—ensuring coordination, accountability, and alignment with the law’s vision for a stronger, science-driven Philippines.
Attendees of the consultation include representatives from the government, academe, the private sector, research organizations, and civil societies. Inputs from the attendees will help ensure that the draft IRR formulated by the DOST will reflect the goals, mandates, and spirit of the VIP Act.
Expected outcomes of the public consultations include a validated draft IRR, enhanced stakeholder participation, alignment with legal and policy frameworks, defined institutional roles and responsibilities, strengthened transparency and accountability, and informed finalization of the IRR.
At the end of the said first public consultation, DOST-PCHRD Executive Director Jaime C. Montoya thanked the attendees for their valuable inputs.
“Everybody’s continued support will stand as a legacy of what we can achieve when science and technology is guided by service and strengthened through public cooperation,” he said.
Republic Act No. 12290, or the VIP Act, was signed into law by President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. on September 12, 2025, creating the VIP as the country’s premier national institute for virology research and development.
The institute will lead discovery programs in virology, carry out vaccine research, and develop diagnostic tools and therapeutic solutions for viruses and other pathogens. It will further champion evidence-based virology and vaccine policies, build partnerships with local and global research institutions, and train experts to expand national capacity. It will also invest in advanced virology infrastructure and offer technical support to the broader scientific community.
The schedule of the next public consultations is as follows:
● Jan 12, 2026 – Visayas Leg
● Jan 20, 2026 – Mindanao Leg
● Jan 27, 2026 – NCR Leg
The draft IRR is set to be finalized in February 2026, which will signal the effective implementation of the law. Further, it is also one of the many initiatives of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) aimed at providing science-based, innovative, and inclusive solutions across four strategic pillars: human well-being, wealth creation, wealth protection, and sustainability. These pillars embody the mantra OneDOST4U: Solutions and Opportunities for All. For more information, visit www.dost.gov.ph
