CDC, VIP bills pushed to strengthen PH health system
SENATOR Christopher “Bong” Go continues to push for two crucial health measures that aim to strengthen the country’s public health system and ensure that Filipinos are protected against future health threats.
As the author and co-sponsor, Go is advocating for the immediate passage of Senate Bill No. 195, which seeks to establish the Center for Disease Control (CDC). He also pushes for SBN 2893, the bill creating the Virology Science and Technology Institute, which Go principally authored and co-sponsored that has been passed by the Senate on final reading early February.
SBN 195 proposes the creation of the Philippine Center for Disease Control, which will serve as the country’s lead agency for disease prevention, surveillance, and response.
Inspired by similar institutions in other countries, the CDC will ensure that the Philippines has a dedicated organization focused on early detection, monitoring, and management of both infectious and non-communicable diseases.
Senator Go emphasized the lessons learned from previous health crises, including the COVID-19 pandemic, which exposed gaps in the country’s healthcare system.
“Napakahalaga ng maayos na sistema sa pagtugon sa mga sakit at health threats. Ang layunin natin ay palakasin ang ating kapasidad upang mapigilan ang pagkalat ng sakit bago pa ito lumala,” he said.
The CDC will also focus on strengthening public health research, improving data collection and sharing, and coordinating responses at the national and local levels. With a dedicated agency solely focused on disease control, the government will be better equipped to respond swiftly and effectively to any health challenges that may arise.
In addition to pushing for the CDC, Senator Go is also championing the establishment of the Virology Science and Technology Institute, a specialized research facility that will focus on the study of viruses, vaccine development, and diagnostics.
This bill, which has already been approved on the 3rd reading by the Senate, aims to enhance the country’s research capabilities, reduce reliance on foreign laboratories, and ensure that the Philippines is at the forefront of scientific advancements in virology and infectious disease prevention.
“Dapat tayong magkaroon ng sariling kakayahan sa pag-aaral at pagtugon sa mga sakit. Hindi natin dapat hintayin na dumating ang problema bago tayo kumilos. Through this virology institute, we will be able to develop homegrown solutions that will safeguard public health,” Go stressed.
Recent global studies have highlighted the importance of virology research, particularly after Chinese scientists reported the discovery of a new bat coronavirus that can enter human cells similarly to SARS-CoV-2. While there is no immediate cause for alarm, experts emphasize the need for proactive research to understand and mitigate potential health risks.
By establishing the Virology Science and Technology Institute, the country will be better positioned to study emerging diseases and create effective strategies for prevention and response.
With these measures, Senator Go calls for the passage of these bills, ensuring that the Philippines is prepared to face any health challenges that may come in the future.
