PINURI ni Abra Rep. JB Bernos ang Department of Agriculture sa Animal Vaccine Development Program nito na para sa kanya’y “crucial in building a more resilient livestock sector and promote food security in the country.”

“Our ability to develop our own animal vaccines could mean easier and greater access to cheaper vaccines that could possibly be more effective at battling local pathogen strains,” sabi ng lawmaker.

“Kung may kapabilidad tayong lumikha ng bakuna, magiging mas matatag at malusog ang ating mga alagang hayop at masisiguro natin ang supply ng pagkain,” dagdag ni Bernos.

Ang DA, sa partnership sa DA-National Livestock Program, Bureau of Animal Industry, Philippine Carabao Center at Central Luzon State University, inilunsad ang AVDP noong June 15.

Ito’y sa ilalim ng Biosafety Level 3 facility na tututok sa pagdevelop ng vaccine candidates para sa ASF at foot-and-mouth disease.

May funding na P140.9 million ang proyekto.

“Local vaccines will be cheaper, tailored to area-specific strains, and ensure that our supply is stable even amid global shortages.

I also believe that we have enough brilliant scientists who are more than capable of developing the vaccines that we need. Kailangan lamang natin silang bigyan ng sapat na suporta,” sabi ng kongresista.