Ang Pahayagan

CASIGURAN, Aurora — The Aurora Pacific Economic Zone and Freeport Authority (APECO) and Philippine Pharmaceutical Procurement Inc. (PPPI) are exploring the establishment of a pharmaceutical investment hub within the ecozone in Casiguran, a move seen to boost the country’s healthcare and industrial capabilities.

The initiative was discussed during an initial meeting on April 24 between APECO President and Chief Executive Officer Atty. Gil G. Taway IV and PPPI President and CEO Maria Blanca Kim Bernardo-Lokin at APECO’s satellite office in Parañaque City.

The proposed pharma hub aligns with the administration’s agenda under Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to strengthen the country’s healthcare system, improve access to affordable medicines, and position the Philippines as a competitive hub for high-value industries.

During the discussions, PPPI identified potential components of the pharma hub, including research and development (R&D), clinical trials, and cold chain logistics and warehousing—key elements in supporting pharmaceutical manufacturing and distribution.

Taway emphasized APECO’s readiness to host high-value industries, citing the ecozone’s investment-ready environment, available land, and ongoing improvements in infrastructure such as power supply, water access, and logistics connectivity.

“We are building APECO as a complete, investment-ready ecosystem. For industries like pharmaceuticals that demand stability, efficiency, and scale, our ecozone provides the environment where they can operate and grow with confidence,” he said.

APECO currently manages over 12,900 hectares of land under Republic Act 10083, with around 496 hectares in Parcel 1 identified as a potential site for the proposed pharmaceutical hub.

Meanwhile, Bernardo-Lokin said PPPI is developing a national roadmap in partnership with the Department of Trade and Industry’s Supply Chain and Logistics Group to establish a network of pharmaceutical hubs across the country, with APECO being considered as a strategic location.

“This collaboration with APECO not only strengthens our role in the global pharma value chain but also supports the government’s goal of ensuring accessible and affordable healthcare for all Filipinos,” she said.

If realized, the proposed pharma hub is expected to enhance Aurora’s economic landscape while contributing to national efforts to modernize the healthcare sector and attract global pharmaceutical investments. (Jason de Asis)

TOP 📸: APECO and Philippine Pharmaceutical Procurement Inc. are exploring the establishment of a pharmaceutical hub in Casiguran, aiming to boost healthcare access, attract investments, and position the Philippines as a regional pharma industry hub. (Aurora Pacific EcoZone via Jason de Asis)