The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is spearheading efforts to boost the local manufacturing industry by creating pharmaceutical and medical device ecozones, a key initiative championed by President Marcos.
In an interview with state-controlled PTV-4, FDA Director General Dr. Samuel Zacate highlighted the ecozones as transformative for the country’s pharmaceutical and medical device sectors, drawing inspiration from India’s highly successful pharma-dev hubs.
“During the sectoral meeting of the health last year February 2024 I got the marching order from the President [to empower our local manufacturers]. Actually, matagal na naming pinag-uusapan iyan, pharma-dev zones, it’s the model from India. So, it’s a hub of all the medical manufacturers – when we say medical, it’s the pharmaceutical and the medical devices. So, they have the tax incentives (During the sectoral meeting on health in February 2024, I received the President’s marching order to empower our local manufacturers. The pharmaceutical and medical device ecozones aim to do just that. It’s the model from India. This is a hub for all medical manufacturers, providing them with tax incentives),” Zacate said on Friday, Jan. 17.
He said that the initiative, spearheaded in collaboration with the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA), will centralize operations for pharmaceutical and medical device manufacturers.
While the FDA oversees registration processes, PEZA will manage the ecozones’ regulatory and logistical framework, he added.
Zacate noted that the program aligns with the government’s vision of self-reliance and economic growth.
“As the President say, we will always empower our local manufacturer. Tangkilikin natin ang sariling atin (As the President says, we will always empower our local manufacturers. Let’s support and utilize what is truly our own,” he added.
Industry benefits
Per the FDA, the pharmaceutical and medical device ecozones promise significant economic and health benefits, including job creation, reduced production costs, and improved accessibility to locally produced medical supplies.
By streamlining operations and offering tax incentives, the ecozones aim to attract investors and enhance the competitiveness of Filipino products in the global market.
The FDA has also committed to supporting the initiative through efficient regulatory processes and ensuring the safety and quality of products manufactured within the zones.
Moving forward
With the government aiming for a “whole-of-government approach,” the FDA said that the pharmaceutical and medical device ecozones represent a significant step towards fostering innovation and sustainability in the health sector.
Zacate expressed confidence in the collaboration with PEZA, commending its leadership for their commitment.
The FDA chief said they are working closely with the director general of PEZA to turn such a vision into reality.