Powers, Functions and Duties.
Section 6
SEC. 6. Powers, Functions and Duties. - To accomplish its mandate, the VIP shall have the following powers, functions, and duties: (a) Serve as the lead convener for the formulation of the National Virology Research Agents, which shall encompass research involving viruses and other pathogens of plants, animals, and humans; (b) Undertake research and development in the field of virology; (c) Conduct research and development in the areas of diagnostics, therapeutics, and vaccines, in cooperation with concerned government agencies and the private sector; (d) Promote and undertake the transfer of the results of scientific research and development through collaboration with government agencies, industry, and the academe; (e) Promote, advocate, and oversee virology research ethics, biosafety, and biosecurity; (f) Develop and maintain information systems on virology science and technology for use by both the public and the private sectors; (g) Develop and implement, together with concerned government agencies and the private sector, programs for strengthening scientific and technological capabilities in virology and relevant disciplines through human resource development, infrastructure, and institution and capability building; (h) Undertake policy research and other policy-related studies on virology; (i) Provide laboratory and technical services on virology; (j) Promote and advocate for national programs on virology science and technology; (k) Establish linkages with local and international partners; (l) Foster linkage and alignment with the private sector for public-private partnership, in accordance with existing laws, rules, and regulations; (m) Establish joint research programs and share expertise and resources with the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine (RITM) and other relevant institutions; (n) Ensure seamless collaboration with RITM and other pertinent research bodies to delineate specific roles and responsibilities, ensuring that the research agenda is complementary rather than duplicative; (o) Foster an environment of equity in research and development by prioritizing collaborative projects that advance scientific progress; (p) Engage in different modes of financing, as applicable, for the development of new industries, products, and services consistent with its mandate; and (q) Perform such other powers and functions such as, but not limited to, clinical research and clinical trials, as may be deemed necessary and incidental for the effective implementation of this Act.