Go, who serves as Vice Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health, noted that health authorities, including infectious disease specialists, have explained that the term “super flu” does not denote a new or more dangerous pathogen but refers to an influenza strain that appears to spread more efficiently than typical seasonal flu.
Based on current monitoring, recorded cases in the Philippines have been limited and those infected have recovered. Medical experts have also stated that the flu season may extend into the early months of the year, which could mean more reports of flu-like illnesses such as fever, cough, sore throat, and body aches.
“These reports remind us that not every new term or label in the news means there is an unprecedented health crisis,” Go said, adding that “ang pinakamahalaga ay alam natin kung ano ang sinasabi ng ating mga eksperto at paano natin ito dapat unawain.” He reiterated that existing influenza vaccines continue to be recommended and that practical health measures, such as rest and avoiding crowded places when symptomatic, remain important.
Go also referenced the context of broader health systems strengthening, emphasizing that reactive responses alone are insufficient for complex health challenges. “Kung gusto nating mas maagang makaresponde sa mga ganitong sakit, kailangan may ilalagay tayong matatag na batayan sa siyensya at pananaliksik,” he said.
In this regard, Go pointed to the Virology and Vaccine Institute of the Philippines (VIP), created under Republic Act No. 12290. The VIP law mandates the establishment of a national research institute under the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) that will lead research on viruses and other pathogens affecting humans, animals, plants, and the broader environment.
Go served as principal author and co-sponsor of the Senate measure that became the final law. He noted that the measure reflects a more proactive and science-based approach to health challenges beyond immediate outbreaks.
Under RA 12290, the VIP will conduct vaccine research from discovery to pre-clinical phases, develop diagnostics and therapeutics for emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases, and undertake discovery programs in virology, molecular biology, and bioinformatics. The law also calls for building partnerships with local and international research institutions, investing in high-containment laboratories, biobanks, and genome facilities, and training experts to build local scientific capacity.
A dedicated site for the VIP has been allocated within the New Clark Economic Zone in Capas, Tarlac, where the institute’s headquarters and facilities are planned to be built, though as of now construction and full operationalization are still in progress.
Go said the VIP Act is designed to give the Philippines a sustained foundation for responding to future infectious disease threats. “Sa pamamagitan ng VIP, hindi lang tayo nagrereact sa mga sakit; pinag-aaralan natin ito nang malalim at may sistemang kakayahan na naka-tala bago pa man mag-anunsyo ng susunod na banta sa kalusugan,” he explained.
While health professionals continue to monitor influenza trends, Go underscored that staying well-informed, observing sensible health practices, and investing in scientific infrastructure like the VIP are essential elements for a more resilient health landscape in the country.