Peza supports creation of pharma ecozones

PASAY CITY – Guided by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s earlier pronouncement on the importance of ecozones as a tool for socioeconomic growth and development, Philippine Economic Zone Authority (Peza) Director General Tereso O. Panga is positive that there will be an increase in medical and drug manufacturing-related investments with the creation of pharmaceutical economic zones in the Philippines.

During a sectoral meeting with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) last Tuesday, February 13, 2024, President Marcos Jr. floated the idea of establishing pharma zones that will serve as one-stop shops to make the drug application process more accessible and efficient.

FDA Director General Samuel Zacate stated that pharma-zones established in Peza-controlled areas will serve as places where the agency can immediately test and register medicines upon entry to the Philippines.

“We are excited and more than encouraged to facilitate the establishment of pharma ecozones in the Philippines, which will become instrumental in the Administration’s efforts to enhance accessibility to medicines and lower drug prices,” said DG Panga.

Pharma Ecozone

Under the Philippine Development Plan 2023-2028, Peza is tasked to accelerate the implementation of the ecozone transformation roadmap by creating different types of economic zones, including pharmaceutical ecozones. Pharma zones shall become home to companies engaged in all aspects of medical and drug manufacturing-related activities, especially in research and development (R&D), clinical testing, and trials.

“We are coordinating with the Department of Health (DOH), FDA, DTI, and the Philippine Chamber of Pharmaceutical Industries (PCPI) in crafting the guidelines for the registration of pharma zones under Peza in line with this mandate,” stated the Peza Chief.

Earlier, Peza entered into a Memorandum of Agreement with the FDA to streamline the applications for permits and licenses to operate for RBEs engaged in the manufacture of food, cosmetic, and drug products, including medical devices, and to ensure compliance of ecozone locators to all provisions of the Food and Drug Act of 2009 and other pertinent laws. /