Manila, Sept. 19 -- The Presidential Communications Office (PCO) on Friday emphasized the importance of establishing a virology and vaccine hub to enhance the country's preparedness for future pandemics.

This, as the PCO confirmed President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s signing of Republic Act (RA) 12290, establishing the Virology and Vaccine Institute of the Philippines (VIP), a national research center focusing on studies of viruses, pathogens and vaccine development.

"The creation of the VIP is viewed as a landmark move to enhance the Philippines' capacity to respond to future pandemics and other public health threats, while also fostering innovation in science and technology," the PCO said in a statement.

"The VIP will serve as the cou...