MANILA, Philippines — The Duterte administration has vowed to speed up the processing of necessary operational permits and other requirements for business firms interested in the production of vaccines against COVID-19.
Faced with global competition to get ample supply, Anti-Red Tape Authority director general Jeremiah Belgica said the Philippines would like to produce its own vaccines so it can rely on its own supply.
This developed as the group of tycoon Manuel V. Pangilinan expressed on Friday interest at vaccine production, in partnership with global vaccine giants.
The government task group involved in addressing the COVID-19 pandemic has eyed local production of vaccines to allow the Philippines to get first crack at supplies after finding it hard to corner supplies abroad.
In an interview over the Laging Handa public briefing, Belgica expressed optimism that local manufacturers can now help cope with vaccine demand after the signing of a joint memorandum circular no. 1 s. 2021.
The agreement provides the creation of a green lane to assist local manufacturers and speed up the processing of requirements within 30 days.
The agreement has been signed among the Department of Trade and Industry, Department of Health, Food and Drug Administration, Department of Science and Technology and ARTA, along with the National Task Force against COVID-19 led by Sec. Carlito Galvez Jr. to map out the plan to produce vaccines locally.
The government, through the Board of Investments, will also be providing incentives to those who will construct plants for vaccine production.
“This will cover the production of COVID-19 related vaccines, particularly those called as ‘fill-and-finish’ which already possess or has approved EUAs and certifications from various countries,” Belgica said in Filipino.
The grant will be given to vaccines which already enjoy emergency use authorization and certifications from other countries, he added.
Belgica also said that raw materials can be brought into the country in bulk and local companies would assemble and place them in vials.