Expanding Pharma Zones: A win-win solution for health and pandemic-stricken economy - Tolentino
MANILA - Administration Senator Francis Tol N. Tolentino believed that accelerating the establishment of pharmaceutical manufacturing zones under the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) will not only give Filipinos better access to cheaper medicines but would also help stabilize the pandemic-stricken economy.
Tolentino said expanding the so-called Pharma Zone has both short and long term goals since aside from providing the public with locally manufactured but less expensive vaccines just like in the case of COVID-19 disease, it can also bring forth more investments and jobs for the pandemic-stricken economy.
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With the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, MMDA General Manager Jose Arturo Garcia said that they have shifted most of their focus in addressing the pressing matter while still performing the main task of the agency.
“Our plan for next year is probably inclined with addressing the global health pandemic. Of course, MMDA will still perform its task of regulating traffic in Metro Manila. But with this lingering pandemic, MMDA will have more programs aimed at helping stem the coronavirus transmission,” he said.
Natural disaster response
In January, MMDA deployed 30 of its personnel to Talisay, Batangas to help residents affected by the eruption of the Taal Volcano, after the Batangas provincial government sought the assistance of the MMDA.
Responding to natural disasters, creating schemes to improve traffic in the metropolis, and working hand-in-hand with other government agencies in addressing the global pandemic have made the Metropolitan Manila Development Agency (MMDA) busy throughout this pandemic year.