The Department of Agriculture (DA) launched the Animal Vaccine Development Program (AVDP) on June 15, aiming to strengthen the country's livestock sector and enhance food security, according to Abra Lone District Rep. JB Bernos.
Lawmaker underscores importance of local vaccine production
In a statement on Friday, Bernos said the program would enable the Philippines to develop its own animal vaccines, reducing reliance on imports. "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," the lawmaker said.
Bernos, a member of the committee on agriculture and food, emphasized that local vaccines would be tailored to area-specific strains and ensure stable supply even during global shortages. "Kung may kapabilidad ang Pilipinas lumikha ng bakuna, magiging mas matatag at malusog ang ating mga alagang hayop at masisiguro natin ang supply ng pagkain (If the Philippines has the capability to make its own vaccines, livestock would be more healthy and resilient, and we could ensure food supply)," he said in Filipino.
Program components and funding
The AVDP is a collaboration between the DA, the DA-National Livestock Program, the Bureau of Animal Industry, the Philippine Carabao Center, and Central Luzon State University. A key component is the establishment of a Biosafety Level 3 facility to safely handle high-risk animal pathogens and accelerate vaccine development. The laboratory will also support advanced research, technical training, and disease preparedness efforts.
The program will initially focus on developing vaccine candidates for African swine fever (ASF) and foot-and-mouth disease. According to the DA, the AVDP has a total funding of PHP140.9 million spread over three years: PHP77.6 million for 2026, PHP30.6 million for 2027, and PHP32.7 million for 2028.
Call for support to local scientists
Bernos expressed confidence in the capability of Filipino scientists to develop the needed vaccines. "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 (We only need to provide them with ample support)," he said.
The launching of the AVDP is seen as a crucial step in building a more resilient livestock sector and promoting food security in the country, as the Philippines seeks to mitigate the impact of animal diseases on its agricultural economy.
