Senator Christopher “Bong” Go hailed the contributions of Filipino genomic sequencing experts in the fight against COVID-19 during the launch of the University of the Philippines-Philippine Genome Center (UP-PGC) Visayas in Iloilo City and the UP-PGC Mindanao in Davao City on March 11.

The initiative led by UP-PGC and the Department of Health, in coordination with the Department of Science and Technology, aims to expand the country’s biosurveillance capacity. Genomic sequencing lets scientists understand how viruses evolve as they spread, leading to a more efficient and effective response.

“I am truly glad to join you today to witness the launching of UP-Philippine Genome Centers VisMin. Importante ito dahil gusto natin maging handa sa anumang posibilidad katulad ng pagsulpot ng mga bagong (COVID-19) variants,” Go said in his virtual remarks.

“We must remain vigilant and focused on preventing another outbreak in addition to addressing the urgent needs facing our people,” he continued.

The senator went on to note that President Rodrigo Duterte has placed importance on science-related endeavors in the country.

Go, who heads the Senate Committee on Health, has persistently appealed for the passage of a bill which seeks to establish the Virology Science and Technology Institute of the Philippines (VIP).

Filed by Go in 2021, Senate Bill No. 2155 seeks to boost the country’s ability to develop vaccines against highly pathogenic emerging viruses. The bill, most notably, provides guidelines for the establishment and operation of testing, reference and biosafety Levels 1, 2, 3 and 4 research laboratories throughout the country.

“Understanding the genetic changes in viral genome is a prerequisite for a strong public health response to emerging and reemerging viral diseases. We must continue to pursue investments in health research initiatives, such as the genome sequencing program of the UP-PGC,” emphasized Go.

He also filed SBN 2158 which establishes the Philippine Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The CDC shall serve as the lead agency for developing communicable disease control and prevention initiatives. It will be primarily responsible for controlling the introduction and spread of infectious diseases in the Philippines.

The lawmaker then thanked the scientific and medical communities for their hard work during the pandemic. He touted the plummeting rate of daily COVID-19 infections as a demonstration of the success of the vaccination program and other health and safety measures being implemented.

“Before I end, I also want to take this opportunity to congratulate and commend everyone as we see a decreasing trend of new COVID cases. Patunay ito na ginagawa ni Pangulong Duterte at ng buong gobyerno ang lahat ng makakaya nito para masugpo at malampasan natin ang pandemyang ito,” said Go.

“Hindi natin ito magagawa kung wala ang mga eksperto na gumagabay sa ating bawat hakbang para masiguro ang lahat ng ating aksyon ay base sa siyensya,” he added.

To conclude, Go called for continued cooperation between the government and various sectors of society in order to beat the virus in 2022. He reiterated his unwavering support for frontliners and other essential workers, without whom healthcare provision would not be possible.

“Nananatiling buo ang suporta namin ni Pangulong Duterte sa inyo at sa lahat ng mga frontliners at mga health workers. Ipagpatuloy lang ninyo ang inyong serbisyo sa ating bayan. Kami ni Pangulong Duterte ay naririto lang handang magserbisyo sa abot ng aming makakaya. Maraming salamat at mabuhay kayong lahat!” he said.

The ceremony was also witnessed by DOH Secretary Francisco Duque III, DOST Secretary Fortunato Dela Peña, UP President Danilo Concepcion, PGC Executive Director Dr. Cynthia Saloma, Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Treñas, and Davao de Oro Governor Jayvee Tyron Uy.