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Advocates Philippines
Bong Go Pushes For Stronger Health Defenses: CDC And Virology Institute Bills In The Spotlight
Photo credit: Bong Go
Senator Christopher “Bong” Go is doubling down on his push to strengthen the Philippines’ healthcare system with two key measures: the Center for Disease Control (CDC) Bill and the Virology Science and Technology Institute Bill. Both aim to improve the country’s preparedness against future health threats and pandemics—lessons learned the hard way from COVID-19.
A Dedicated Disease Watchdog
One of the bills, Senate Bill No. 195, seeks to create the Philippine Center for Disease Control (CDC), an agency that will focus on disease prevention, surveillance, and rapid response. Inspired by similar institutions abroad, the CDC will ensure the country is equipped to detect, monitor, and manage both infectious and non-communicable diseases before they escalate.
“Napakahalaga ng maayos na sistema sa pagtugon sa mga sakit at health threats,” Go emphasized. “Ang layunin natin ay palakasin ang ating kapasidad upang mapigilan ang pagkalat ng sakit bago pa ito lumala.”
With the CDC in place, the country would have a dedicated team of experts to oversee public health research, improve disease data tracking, and coordinate nationwide health responses.
Virology Research: A Step Towards Self-Sufficiency
Meanwhile, Go is also pushing for the Virology Science and Technology Institute through Senate Bill No. 2893, which has already passed on final reading in the Senate. This facility will specialize in virology research, vaccine development, and diagnostics, allowing the Philippines to rely less on foreign laboratories for critical research.
“Dapat tayong magkaroon ng sariling kakayahan sa pag-aaral at pagtugon sa mga sakit,” Go stressed. “Hindi natin dapat hintayin na dumating ang problema bago tayo kumilos.”
Recent reports from Chinese scientists about a new bat coronavirus that can enter human cells, similar to SARS-CoV-2, underscore the urgent need for virology research. While there’s no immediate threat, experts worldwide agree that early research is key to preventing future pandemics.
By investing in a homegrown virology institute, the Philippines will be in a better position to identify emerging diseases, create vaccines, and craft preventive strategies—instead of just reacting to crises as they happen.
A Healthier Future in the Making
Senator Go’s advocacy for these bills aligns with his broader mission to make quality healthcare more accessible. His initiatives already include the Malasakit Centers, Super Health Centers, and Regional Specialty Centers—all aimed at providing Filipinos with better healthcare facilities and services.
"Hindi natin alam kung kailan darating ang susunod na health crisis, kaya mahalaga na tayo ay laging handa," Go pointed out. "Ang pagbuo ng CDC at Virology Institute ay isang malaking hakbang tungo sa mas matibay at mas epektibong sistema ng kalusugan para sa ating mga kababayan."
With these bills in motion, Go is urging for their swift passage—ensuring that when the next health crisis comes, the Philippines is ready.
A Dedicated Disease Watchdog
One of the bills, Senate Bill No. 195, seeks to create the Philippine Center for Disease Control (CDC), an agency that will focus on disease prevention, surveillance, and rapid response. Inspired by similar institutions abroad, the CDC will ensure the country is equipped to detect, monitor, and manage both infectious and non-communicable diseases before they escalate.
“Napakahalaga ng maayos na sistema sa pagtugon sa mga sakit at health threats,” Go emphasized. “Ang layunin natin ay palakasin ang ating kapasidad upang mapigilan ang pagkalat ng sakit bago pa ito lumala.”
With the CDC in place, the country would have a dedicated team of experts to oversee public health research, improve disease data tracking, and coordinate nationwide health responses.
Virology Research: A Step Towards Self-Sufficiency
Meanwhile, Go is also pushing for the Virology Science and Technology Institute through Senate Bill No. 2893, which has already passed on final reading in the Senate. This facility will specialize in virology research, vaccine development, and diagnostics, allowing the Philippines to rely less on foreign laboratories for critical research.
“Dapat tayong magkaroon ng sariling kakayahan sa pag-aaral at pagtugon sa mga sakit,” Go stressed. “Hindi natin dapat hintayin na dumating ang problema bago tayo kumilos.”
Recent reports from Chinese scientists about a new bat coronavirus that can enter human cells, similar to SARS-CoV-2, underscore the urgent need for virology research. While there’s no immediate threat, experts worldwide agree that early research is key to preventing future pandemics.
By investing in a homegrown virology institute, the Philippines will be in a better position to identify emerging diseases, create vaccines, and craft preventive strategies—instead of just reacting to crises as they happen.
A Healthier Future in the Making
Senator Go’s advocacy for these bills aligns with his broader mission to make quality healthcare more accessible. His initiatives already include the Malasakit Centers, Super Health Centers, and Regional Specialty Centers—all aimed at providing Filipinos with better healthcare facilities and services.
"Hindi natin alam kung kailan darating ang susunod na health crisis, kaya mahalaga na tayo ay laging handa," Go pointed out. "Ang pagbuo ng CDC at Virology Institute ay isang malaking hakbang tungo sa mas matibay at mas epektibong sistema ng kalusugan para sa ating mga kababayan."
With these bills in motion, Go is urging for their swift passage—ensuring that when the next health crisis comes, the Philippines is ready.
Feb 26, 2025
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