Pharma Zone, ECOZONE para sa Pharma Industry, DOH FDA PEZA and ARTA join forces at

GINAGANAP ngayon ang magkakasamang inisyatibo ng Anti Red Tape Authority (ARTA) Food and Drug Administration (FAD), Department of Health ( DOH) at Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) para mapabilis ang mga pagtupad ng mgaregulasyon patungkol sa parmasyutika at paggawa ng gamot.

Ang papel ng ARTA ay ikonekta ang mga negosyo sa mga ahensya ng gobyerno upang tiyakin ang ease of doing business, may panukala ang PEZA na magtatag ng mga economic zones para sa mga pharma companies ang drug manufacturers, ayon naman sa FDA maaring magtatag sa Victoria Tarlac ng eco zone eksklusibo para sa mga pharma manufacturers.

Nagbigay ng kanyang pambungad na pananalita si USEC Gerald G Divinagracia ang ARTA Deputy Director General for Operation kasunod ng mensahe ng pagsuporta sa Lab for All initiative mula ka First Lady Louise Araneta Marcos hang sinundan ng keynote message ni Sec Frederick D Go ang Special Assistant to the president for Investment and Economic Affairs dahil hindi siya nakadalo ay nirepresenta lamang ni USEC Jose Edwinel C Guilas

ARTA, FDA, PEZA and DOH Join Forces, Headlining Initiatives on Medical Drug and Device Manufacturers

3 July 2024 – In line with the whole-of-government approach of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s administration, the Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA), Department of Health (DOH), Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) held a Joint Briefing on their respective initiatives on Medical Drug and Device Manufacturers on 01 July 2024 at Novotel, Quezon City.

This event centered on current efforts and initiatives of the above-mentioned agencies in streamlining the drug regulatory process, as well as additional reforms and innovations.

Furthermore, this paved an avenue for ARTA, DOH, FDA and PEZA in engaging with the private stakeholders in discussing further reforms and innovations envisioned in the pharmaceutical industry.

During the said event, ARTA Secretary Ernesto V. Perez, FDA Director General Dr. Samuel A. Zacate, and PEZA Department Manager Ludwig O. Daza, presented their agencies’ initiatives in relation to medical drug, device manufacturers and pharmaceutical zones.

The Office of the Special Assistant to the President for Investment and Economic Affairs (OSAPIEA) gave its support to these initiatives through a keynote message by Special Assistant to the President (SAP) Frederick D. Go, which was delivered by Undersecretary Jose Edwiniel C. Guilas.

“I am pleased that this interagency briefing that convinced pharmaceutical associations and industry experts is taking place. I praise DOH, ARTA and FDA for their initiative to engage with private stakeholders for possible reforms and innovations that we may advance for the benefit of the pharmaceutical industry and by extension, the benefit of citizenry.”

Meanwhile, in behalf of DOH Secretary Teodoro J. Herbosa, Director Rowena C. Lora extended DOH’s message of support for the ongoing efforts of DOH, FDA and ARTA in the health sector.

“I challenge us all to devise transformative interventions that ensures equitable access to medicines, particularly for the most vulnerable and underprivileged segments of our population. The partnership between ARTA and FDA underscores a commitment to fostering a conducive environment for innovation, efficiency, and regulatory compliance within the healthcare industry.”

Moreover, representatives from the private sector stakeholders also delivered their messages of support for this government initiative.

Philippine Pharmaceutical Manufacturer’s Association (PPMA) President Mr. Higinio P. Porte Jr., in his message said, “Since its creation in 2018, ARTA has been instrumental in improving the efficiency in the licensing and registration processes for pharmaceutical drug products in our country, working hand in hand with FDA and local pharmaceutical industry.”

On the other hand, Philippine Association of Medical Device Regulatory Affairs Professionals (PAMDRAP) President Ms. Liza Pajarillo extended their gratitude saying, “We very much appreciate to be part of this collaborative partnership between ARTA, DOH, and FDA and their initiatives for pharmaceutical and medical device manufacturers. We strongly believe that this endeavor of the government is imperative.”

Following the messages of support, a panel discussion moderated by ARTA Better Regulations Office (BRO) Director Marbida L. Marbida and participated by ARTA, DOH, FDA PEZA and private sector representatives, took place.

Towards a Bagong Pilipinas, ARTA in collaboration with other government agencies and the private sector, is committed in streamlining government processes for the mutual benefit of the people and businesses in the country.

Present during the event were ARTA Deputy Director General (DDG) for Operations Undersecretary Gerald G. Divinagracia, DDG for Administration and Finance Undersecretary Ricojudge Janvier M. Echiverri, DDG for Legal Undersecretary Geneses R. Abot, Compliance, Monitoring and Evaluation Office Director Grace L. Fernandez, representatives from various national government agencies, and private stakeholders.

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