PCPI supports the FDA’s move to make Green Lanes for health facilities, products
The Philippine Chamber of Pharmaceutical Industry (PCPI), which brings together Filipino-owned pharmaceutical companies to fight for policies that promote innovation, accessibility, and independence in medicines, expressed strong support for the efforts of the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) to establish a “Green Lane” to speed up the regulatory processes of health centers and Tatapriate Strategy products included under the Tatapriate Investment Plan and other important for the development of the country. PCPI is the largest association of local pharmaceutical companies, with a membership of about 90 companies, including Unilab Inc., the country’s largest pharmaceutical manufacturer.
Under the leadership of FDA Director General Atty. Paolo S. Teston, the Green Lane campaign aims to establish a regulatory mechanism that prioritizes requests from qualified domestic producers, especially those who produce important and valuable medicines. The framework is designed to provide easy review times, clear documentation requirements, and close communication between regulators and manufacturers while fully emphasizing FDA’s strict standards for safety, quality, and efficacy.
PCPI has actively supported Green Lane expansion through ongoing policy discussions, public-private partnerships, and regulatory discussions with the FDA, the Department of Health, the Anti-Red Tape Authority, and other key stakeholders.
“PCPI applauds the FDA’s effective regulatory changes, which strike a balance between efficiency and unwavering safety standards,” said Dr. Lloyd Balajadia, president of PCPI. “This program will generate economic value, create more jobs, and help bring life-saving medicines to patients faster—from proven regulatory frameworks in countries like Singapore, India and China.”
According to Dr. Balajadia, Green Lane marks an important step in strengthening the Philippine pharmaceutical industry and building a strong, self-sufficient pharmaceutical supply chain. “It recognizes the important role of local manufacturers in ensuring a strong supply of affordable, quality medicines to Filipino patients,” he added.
PCPI noted that local pharmaceutical companies play an important role in maintaining a stable supply of medicines, especially during public health emergencies. The COVID-19 pandemic, global supply chain disruptions, and ongoing geopolitical tensions have underscored the dangers of over-reliance on imported medicines and active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs).
“Local manufacturers are often the first to respond to sudden increases in demand for essential medicines,” PCPI said. “The Green Lane established by the facility will allow them to bring products to market faster, while remaining fully compliant with strict regulatory requirements.”
The chamber also highlighted Green Lane’s strong alignment with national priorities under the Universal Health Care Act and the Philippine Pharmaceutical Industry Roadmap. By encouraging investment in domestic products, the program supports the government’s broader goals of reducing foreign dependence, improving national health security, promoting sustainable industrial growth, and creating quality jobs.
PCPI expressed appreciation for the current FDA leadership’s understanding of the realities and potential of the domestic pharmaceutical sector, noting that domestic manufacturers have the technical know-how to produce many pharmaceuticals. The Green Lane program, the group said, will reposition the Philippines as a competitive pharmaceutical manufacturing hub in the region.
PCPI called for the swift finalization of the Green Lane guidelines through ongoing consultation and effective stakeholder engagement, building on ongoing collaborative efforts to advance regulatory changes that benefit public health and industry development.
