President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. delivers his policy speech at the Center of Strategic and International Studies in Washington D.C., U.S.A. on Thursday, May 04, 2023. (KJ ROSALES/PPA POOL)
WASHINGTON, D.C. — President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on Thursday (Friday, Manila time) said he hopes to work with the United States in establishing the Virology and Vaccine Institute of the Philippines, as well as in the fight against non-communicable diseases.
Marcos made the statement during a forum hosted by the Center for Strategic and International Studies here, saying this would build up on the science, technology, and innovation engagements between the Philippines and the US.
“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,” he said in his policy speech.
He said the Philippines and the US can work on the training of technicians and specialists including post-graduate education scholarships.
The two nations can collaborate on providing necessary equipment and implements for the said facility and establishing the first Bio-Safety Level 4 Laboratory in the Philippines.
The US can also help the Philippines in its fight against non-communicable diseases such as tuberculosis, diabetes, and obesity, among others, Marcos said.
He said the Philippines would need “massive investment” in the human, physical, and technological resources of the Philippine Genome Center.
This includes access to artificial intelligence tools, training of technicians and of scientists, equipment, and relevant research.
“There are existing cooperative projects that can be built upon or expanded,” the President said.
He also said he hopes to partner with the US Geological Service in training, research, and projects to support the Philippines’ efforts in protecting its coastal areas “ by targeting environmental degradation in the uplands that impact upon coastal ecosystems such as through sedimentation, by restoring the shoreline, and protecting marine ecosystems.”
Marcos concluded his official visit to the US on Thursday and headed to London for the coronation of King Charles III.