The Board of Directors of the Philippine Chamber of Pharmaceutical Industry (PCPI) conducted an exploratory visit to selected Department of Science and Technology (DOST) agencies on August 13, 2024, including the Food and Nutrition Research Institute (FNRI).
Coordinated by the DOST-Office of the Undersecretary for Research and Development (OUSECRD), the visit explored potential collaboration in advancing pharmaceutical and nutritional research that can benefit Filipinos.
The PCPI delegation comprised of eight leading figures in the Filipino pharmaceutical industry who toured the laboratories and facilities of the DOST-FNRI to gain insights into the latest scientific advancements and technologies developed by the Institute.
Who is PCPI?
Established in March 2004, the PCPI is the merger between four Filipino pharmaceutical organizations which includes the Chamber of Filipino Drug Manufacturers and Distributors, Inc. (CFDMD), the Association of Drug Industries of the Philippines (ADIP), the Association of Philippine Manufacturers (APMan), and the Filipino Drug Association (FIDA). The PCPI represents a strong and united voice for the country’s pharmaceutical industry, with over 100 Filipino-owned companies.
The organization’s vision is to create a competitive Filipino pharmaceutical industry, with a mission to enable their companies to lead and innovate. Under the leadership of its current board, PCPI continues to advocate for affordable and accessible medicine for all Filipinos that helps address the nation’s ongoing struggle with high prices.
Key PCPI Leaders Present
The following PCPI Board of Directors visited DOST-FNRI:
- Dr. Lloyd Balajadia, PCPI President and President of Lloyd Laboratories, Inc.
- Ms. Marilou Buensuceso, PCPI Vice President, Manufacturing Sector, and President of Elin Pharmaceuticals Inc.
- Ms. Vangie Orejola, PCPI Treasurer and Vice President/GM of Northfield Laboratories Inc.
- Ms. Ella Camua, PCPI Public Relations Officer and Sales Manager at AM Europharma Corp.
- Ms. Karen Go, PCPI Director and President of Scheele Lab Inc.
- Ms. Tess Montejo, PCPI Director and representative of Pascual Lab Inc.
- Ms. Leila Banico, PCPI Admin Director
- Ms. Catt Salak, Executive Assistant to Dr. Lloyd Balajadia
Exploring DOST-FNRI’s Research and Innovations
During their visit, the PCPI delegation toured FNRI’s state-of-the-art research laboratories and food processing facilities, including:
- The Nutrigenomics Laboratory, which focuses on personalized nutrition and the relationship between genes and dietary responses;
- The Nutrition Physiological Testing Laboratory, which is responsible for assessing the physiological impacts of nutritional interventions;
- The Physico-chemical Laboratory, where food composition and properties are analyzed; and
- The Food Processing Facilities, where innovative food products are developed to meet the nutritional needs of the population.
The tour was followed by a presentation of the DOST-FNRI’s ongoing research and development projects, including the National Nutrition Survey and an overview of DOST-FNRI technologies and products.
A Q&A session with DOST-FNRI researchers capped off the visit, giving the PCPI board an opportunity to ask detailed questions about the Institute’s work, particularly in areas relevant to the pharmaceutical industry.
Looking Ahead
Both PCPI and DOST-FNRI recognize the critical role of collaboration in addressing the nation’s healthcare challenges, particularly in light of the triple burden of malnutrition. The PCPI was also glad that one of its board members is already a licensee of DOST-FNRI food technologies. Further, the delegates expressed interest in studying the results of the National Nutrition Survey as input for their R&D, as well as the findings from the Nutrigenomics Laboratory.
