Declaration of Policy.
Section 2
SEC. 2. Declaration of Policy. - It is the policy of the State to protect and promote the right of the people to health, and instill health consciousness among them. The State also recognizes that science and technology are essential for national development and progress. To this end, the State shall adopt a One Health approach, recognizing the interconnectedness of humans, animals, plants, and their shared environment. The State shall formulate and implement policies to address One Health issues, prioritizing research and development, promoting innovations in both technology and services, ensuring the quality and adequacy of human resources, strengthening biosafety standards, and promoting the use and appropriate utilization of safe and indigenous practices. In this regard, the State shall prioritize the establishment of an institute to lead in-depth studies on pathogens and potential disease-causing agents affecting people, plants, animals, and the environment. This institute shall provide the scientific basis for the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of diseases, as well as the development of policy recommendations. It shall conduct research and development on disease-causing pathogens including diagnostics, therapeutics, and vaccines.