The Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) reaffirmed its commitment to transforming the Philippines into a regional pharmaceutical powerhouse.
Speaking at the 1st Philippine Chamber of Pharmaceutical Industry (PCPI) General Membership Meeting at Seda Vertis North, PEZA Director General Tereso O. Panga detailed the strategic expansion of specialized “Pharmazones” designed to localize drug manufacturing and reduce healthcare costs for Filipinos.
The event, hosted by PCPI President Dr. Lloyd Balajadia, brought together top-tier regulators and policymakers to align on a unified roadmap for the life sciences sector.
In direct response to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive, DG Panga announced that dedicated pharmaceutical ecozones are currently under development in Tarlac, Bulacan, and Laguna. These hubs are governed by the Pharmazone Guidelines issued in March 2025, which provide a streamlined, predictable framework for high-value investments.
“We are fast-tracking a competitive healthcare ecosystem,” stated DG Panga. “By collaborating with the DTI and FDA, we are ensuring that the Philippines doesn’t just consume pharmaceutical products—it creates them for the entire ASEAN region.”
The initiative is supported by a “whole-of-government” approach to industrialization:
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The FDA: Director General Atty. Paolo Teston highlighted new initiatives to strengthen regulatory quality systems, ensuring faster market entry for safe, affordable medicines.
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The DTI: Atty. Maria Theresa Faustino discussed the Tatak Pinoy (Proudly Filipino) Act, focusing on moving local firms up the global value chain to compete internationally.
The Philippine pharmaceutical landscape within PEZA zones has shown significant growth:
| Metric | Current Status |
| Active Locators | 50+ Pharma & Medical Equipment Manufacturers |
| Total Cumulative Investment | PhP 18+ Billion |
| Total Jobs Created | 31,700+ Nationwide |
| Recent 2025 Investments | PhP 4.653 Billion (New Projects) |
Recent high-impact projects include expansions by Victoria Pharma Park II, Zen Lifesciences Inc., International Vitamin Corporation Philippines, and P. IMES Corporation, signaling strong investor confidence in the country’s manufacturing capabilities.
As these specialized zones come online, the Philippines is positioned to evolve from a net importer of medicines to a resilient, innovation-driven exporter. The synergy between industry leaders like PCPI and government agencies like PEZA ensures that the country’s life sciences sector is prepared for the demands of the global market.
