The Philippine Chamber of Pharmaceutical Industry (PCPI) gathered industry leaders and policymakers at its 2nd General Membership Meeting (GMM) in 2025, spotlighting investment opportunities under the Integrated Roadmap for the Philippine Pharmaceutical Industry (IRPPI).
The Board of Investments (BOI), represented by Industry Development Services Executive Director Ma. Corazon Halili-Dichosa, outlined progress in the roadmap’s implementation. She stressed the need for stronger collaboration between government and the private sector to reduce import dependence and ensure medicine security.
“The local pharmaceutical market is huge but sadly, the country is very much import dependent,” Dichosa said, noting that pharmaceutical imports rose steadily from 2019 to 2024 while exports remain negligible and even declined by 25% in the first half of 2025.
Building a Resilient Pharma Sector
The IRPPI, completed in 2022 and now in implementation, envisions a more self-reliant pharmaceutical sector by 2030. It aims to increase local manufacturing capacity to cover 60 percent of the country’s registered medicines, strengthen the production of essential drugs, and position the Philippines as a competitive player in global pharmaceutical innovation and access.
Among the key updates presented were the issuance of PEZA guidelines for “Pharmazones,” which will serve as dedicated hubs for manufacturing, R&D, clinical testing, and trials. The roadmap also integrates the finalization of the Tatak Pinoy Strategy prioritizing pharmaceuticals, the issuance of an FDA Administrative Order simplifying export procedures for locally-produced medicines, and the planned establishment of the Virology Institute of the Philippines.
Regulatory Reforms and Industry Support
Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Director General Atty. Paulo Luis G. Teston highlighted ongoing reforms, including digital transformation, backlog reduction, and workforce expansion, all aimed at improving transparency and supporting local manufacturers.
“The FDA is not a barrier to trade but a catalyst for innovation and a partner in national development,” Teston emphasized.
PCPI President Dr. Lloyd Balajadia reaffirmed the chamber’s commitment to collaborate with government to build a resilient, innovation-driven pharmaceutical industry that ensures access to affordable and quality healthcare.
A Growing Market for Investment
The Philippine pharmaceutical market is projected to generate nearly USD 2 billion in 2025, with growth expected at 4.1 percent annually through 2029. Rising demand for affordable generic medicines, driven by government healthcare initiatives, continues to create opportunities for investment in local production, research and development, and innovation.
With the roadmap in motion, investors are looking at a sector that not only promises steady returns but also plays a vital role in securing the country’s healthcare future.