FDA, PEZA unveil pharmaceutical, medical device ecozones to boost manufacturing sector
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) unveiled the Pharmaceutical and Medical Device Ecozones, aiming to advance the Philippines' medical manufacturing sector to new heights.

In a statement on Thursday, March 14, the ecozones, outlined in the Ecozone Transformation Roadmap of the 2023-2028 Philippine Development Plan, signify a pivotal stride in PEZA's dedication to economic advancement.
Designed as specialized hubs, the FDA said that the Pharma-Dev Zones will cater to both local and foreign companies engaged in medical and drug manufacturing, encompassing research and development and clinical testing and trials.
This collaborative initiative with the FDA ensures that products manufactured within these ecozones adhere to stringent quality and regulatory benchmarks.
Moreover, the agency said that these zones are poised to revolutionize the production of "common generic drugs," consequently augmenting local supply and driving down medication costs.
It also emphasized that the establishment of Pharma-Dev Zones not only promises to bolster local supply but also presents an avenue for Filipino small and medium enterprises to participate in the manufacturing and tolling of drugs, food supplements, and other medical products.
Integration into these ecozones and global value chains is anticipated to fortify the capacity and competitiveness of Filipino businesses.