The Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) has reaffirmed its commitment to transforming the country into a regional hub for medical manufacturing, announcing the aggressive development of specialized “Pharmazones” during the opening of the 3rd Philippine Pharma and Healthcare Expo on January 28, 2026.
Speaking at the SMX Convention Center, PEZA Deputy Director General (DDG) for Finance and Administration Anidelle Joy M. Alguso highlighted the agency’s shift toward high-tech, healthcare-centric ecozones. These designated areas are designed to streamline the production of essential medicines, medical devices, and research and development (R&D).
“Pharmaceutical ecozones are among PEZA’s new frontiers,” DDG Alguso stated. “We view these sectors not only as high-growth industries but as strategic pillars of national resilience. We are advancing Pharmaceutical and Medical Device Ecozones, or Pharmazones, to support medicine production and clinical trials under a coordinated, investment-ready framework.”
The initiative aims to move the Philippines toward a self-reliant healthcare ecosystem, reducing dependence on global supply chains by fostering local manufacturing capabilities.
The expo brought together a diverse group of international and local stakeholders, including:
-
Mr. Johnny Chotrani, Co-Chairman of the ASEAN–India Economic Council.
-
Mr. Jeevan Kandpal, Second Secretary at the Embassy of India.
-
Representatives from the Philippine Hospital Association, Medical Device Association of the Philippines, and the National ICT Confederation of the Philippines.
Industry experts at the event underscored the dual necessity of sustaining access to advanced global medical technologies while progressively building local industrial strength. Discussions also focused on the “digitalization of health,” emphasizing the need for robust cybersecurity and data privacy as medical systems become more integrated.
Organized by Philippine Pharma & Healthcare and ACE Group, the three-day exhibition features over 130 exhibitors from nine countries, attracting more than 4,000 visitors from across the ASEAN region. The event serves as a critical platform for business collaboration and technology transfer.
As the Philippines advances its medical infrastructure, PEZA continues to invite global investors to participate in the burgeoning Pharmazone landscape, ensuring a future-ready and accessible healthcare system for all Filipinos.
