Clark Freeport—A virology laboratory will rise at the New Clark City in Capas, Tarlac as part of the government response in addressing any form of emerging infectious deseases similar to coronavirus, the Bases Conversion and Development Authority announced Monday.
"The Virology Science and Technology Institute of the Philippines, which will be prioritizing research on infectious diseases will be hosted by New Clark City, and this was just recently approved by the Economic Development Cluster," said Vince Dizon, BCDA president and presidential adviser for flagship projects.
The proposed project would be the country's premier research institute in the field of virology, Dizon added.
Dizon said the Virology Science and Technology Institute of the Philippines (VIP) was proposed by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and has been included in the administration's list of infrastructure flagship projects (IFPs).
The approval of the virology institute as one of the IFPs is part of the government’s response in including new projects that will address the emerging needs brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic.
New Clark City was designed to be the country’s first smart, green, sustainable and resilient metropolis. The project’s Phase 1A was completed last year for the hosting of the 30th South East Asian Games.
“Resiliency was the major characteristic that we wanted for New Clark City to have. The pandemic has highlighted that [with] the use of facilities over the past couple of months in the major response efforts,” Dizon said.
Dizon noted that New Clark City is presently being used as a quarantine facility for COVID-positive patients, as well as suspect and probable individuals, in coordination with local government units.