3 weeks ago
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A PHARMACEUTICAL logistics and distribution hub within the Clark Aviation Capital inside the Clark Freeport Zone will soon rise following the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) between Clark International Airport Corp. (CIAC) and Philippine Pharma Procurement Inc. (PPPI).
The MOU aims to boost Clark's transformation into the country's premier logistics gateway while capitalizing on its accessibility, modern infrastructure, and proximity to air, sea and land transport routes.
The partnership opens doors for various investment schemes, including joint ventures and public-private partnerships, while ensuring compliance with pharmaceutical industry standards such as cold chain management, according to CIAC President and CEO Joseph Alcazar.
"There's a mutual appreciation of Clark's distinctly viable location to build a pharmaceutical logistics hub with air cargo handling capabilities — main reasons which moved us swiftly to formalize this understanding," said Alcazar.
On the other hand, PPPI counterpart official Maria Blanca Kim Lokin described the initiative as a game-changer for the country's pharmaceutical supply chain, noting Clark's disaster-resilient environment and efficient connectivity to key transport corridors.
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"This opportunity provides an unparalleled advantage for PPPI's logistics operations and medical supply distribution and is ideal for us to build an integrated modern warehousing with cold chain solutions," she said.
The project aligns with the Marcos administration's vision to establish pharmaceutical ecozones that will boost local access to affordable health care and reduce reliance on imported medicines.
It is also eyed to aid the rollout of the government's "Botika at Bakuna Para Sa Mamamayan" Program.
PPPI, an attached agency of the Department of Trade and Industry, is tasked to manage pharmaceutical-related investments and distribution to provide low-priced, quality medicine and medical supplies nationwide for both public and private health care institutions.
