Philippines to position itself as Asia's next clinical research hub

Philippines eyes role as Asia’s clinical research hub

Logan Kal-El M. Zapanta 
Inquirer.net
06 October 2026

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines is seeking to position itself as Asia’s next clinical research hub, with a new center of excellence targeted to open in Manila within the year through a partnership with British Swedish pharmaceutical giant AstraZeneca.

The planned Clinical Trial Centre of Excellence is being developed by AstraZeneca with De La Salle University (DLSU), the Department of Science and Technology and the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (Peza).

t will be established within the DLSU Knowledge, Innovation, Science and Technology Zone and serve as the first of three planned pillars of a broader health ecosystem, alongside a Cancer Command Centre and a Cardio-Renal-Metabolic Centre.

The Department of Trade and Industry said it would work with AstraZeneca and other government and academic partners to streamline regulatory approvals and explore a one-stop-shop model to support clinical research.

Currently, AstraZeneca supports more than 28 ongoing and planned clinical trials across over 150 sites nationwide, involving more than 1,000 Filipino patients enrolled since 2022.

AstraZeneca has invested more than P3 billion in Philippine clinical trials over the past six years, covering research in areas including oncology, respiratory and immunology, and cardiovascular, renal and metabolic diseases.

The company has also partnered with AC Health and its Healthway Medical Network to expand clinical trial capabilities to more hospitals, including facilities outside traditional research centers.

Trade Secretary Cristina Roque said expanding the industry could create higher-value employment for doctors, nurses, researchers and other health professionals while giving more patients access to clinical research.

“Just as we built the IT-BPM industry from call centers into a globally competitive knowledge-services sector, we see clinical research and health information management as the Philippines’ next growth industry,” Roque said.

Separately, AstraZeneca and Peza are developing a proposed Multi-Stakeholder Health Innovation Hub within the economic zone network following an agreement signed in August 2025.

Its flagship Oncology Innovation Center is envisioned to use artificial intelligence for early lung cancer detection while expanding patient-support systems and strengthening health-care workforce capabilities.

The initiatives were discussed during Roque’s visit to AstraZeneca’s Discovery Centre in Cambridge, United Kingdom. INQ

Philippines is emerging as a preferred investment destination

Manufacturers relocate to the Philippines amid China concerns

The Star (Malaysia)
26 March 2025

MANILA: The Philippines is emerging as a preferred destination for companies seeking to diversify their supply chain beyond China, amid a new Trump trade policy imposing a 20% tariff on all imports from the world’s second-largest economy.

“This is the affirmation we got particularly from Chinese and multinational investors that attended the Philippine-China investment meetings in Xiamen, Chongqing, Shenzhen and Dongguan,” Philippine Economic Zone Authority (Peza) director general Tereso Panga said in a statement.

Panga said that as the “China+1 strategy” had evolved into “China+1+1”, the Philippines is now emerging as the preferred “plus one” in South-East Asia.

He acknowledged that Vietnam had initially stood out among its regional peers due to its shared border with and proximity to China.

The resulting global supply chain diversification has become more pronounced with the imposition of additional tariffs by the United States on goods from China, Mexico and Canada, he said “Certainly, this has put pressure on export manufacturers in China to shift parts of their supply chains and production processes away from China’s factory hubs and into new investment hot spots in the region, other than Vietnam and Mexico, to mitigate the impact of US tariffs directed at Chinese imports,” said Panga.

During the investment forum in Xiamen, from March 17 to 21, Panga said several Chinese small and medium enterprises expressed an interest to establish operations at Peza economic zones.

“Other than exporting to the United States, they want to sell their finished products to the domestic market,” he said.

These firms include TE Connectivity, a leader in connectors and cables for digital data networks, along with Bocheng Rubbers, Panhua Steel and HYS Metal Plastic.

Pangas said that the Peza board had recently approved TE Connectivity’s 1.7 billion peso investment for the production of electro-optical components and devices, which is expected to create more than 2,000 direct jobs. — The Philippine Daily Inquirer/ANN

Palawan groomed as ASEAN economic hub

Palawan eyed as key Asean economic hub

Franco Jose C. Baroña

Manila Times

16 February 2025

PUERTO PRINCESA CITY — Palawan, the largest province in the country in terms of land area, is being groomed to become a key economic hub in Southeast Asia, with investors from other countries expressing strong interest in a large-scale development project spearheaded by the Bureau of Corrections (BuCor).

This was revealed by BuCor director Gen. Gregorio Catapang in an interview on the sidelines of the 2nd Asean Regional Correctional Conference being held in this scenic coastal city from Feb. 15 to 17.

The initiative aims to transform underutilized government land into a thriving economic zone focused on food security, trade and tourism.

Catapang said ambassadors from Singapore and Malaysia were briefed on the master plan and showed great enthusiasm to invest in the country.

Catapang said that more investors from Thailand, Singapore and other Asean nations are expected to visit the Philippines starting Feb. 17 to explore business opportunities.

"The Singaporean ambassador told me, 'Let's talk some more because your idea is very good,'" the BuCor director said.

Catapang said that foreign diplomats have been presented with a comprehensive strategy for developing Palawan into a major international trade and logistics hub.

Catapang noted that Palawan's geographical position makes it an ideal location for trade in the Asean region.

The plan includes the construction of an international container port and a new airport to enhance connectivity with neighboring countries such as Indonesia, Malaysia, Brunei and Singapore.

"Palawan is the gateway to Southeast Asia," said Catapang, noting its proximity to key Asean markets.

He also proposed that Palawan and its surrounding areas serve as a "zone of peace, progress and prosperity," reducing tensions in the West Philippine Sea by shifting the focus to economic cooperation.

A major component of the project is food security with plans to develop agricultural hubs that will boost domestic food production and ex-ports.

The initiative aims to attract foreign investment in agribusiness, logistics and sustainable development.

Catapang also disclosed ongoing discussions with the Philippine Economic Zone Authority to designate parts of Palawan as special economic zones.

"This would allow investors to benefit from tax incentives and streamlined business regulations," he said.

The Philippines presented the project at the Asean Regional Conference, where it sought further investor commitments.

"This conference will be crucial," Catapang said. "We are showcasing a vision that aligns with Asean's goals of regional economic integration and food security."

Philippines ushers ASEAN in renewable energy investments

$27.7 billion: How the Philippines leads Asean in investments, green power push

Investments boom: 2024 saw a 28% jump in approved projects, as per DTI data

Jay Hilotin, Senior Assistant Editor
Gulf News (Saudi Arabia)
30 January 2025

Manila: The year 2024 broke records for investments, with approved projects hitting Php1.62 trillion ($27.7 billion), the Philippine Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has confirmed.

Free energy from the sun: The Philippines's biggest winners in 2024 in wooing fresh capital were the energy and manufacturing sectors, as well as special economic zones. Renewable power led by solar-wind-batteries (SWB) secured Php1.38 trillion ($23.6 billion) in fresh inflows — a 40 per cent jump from 2023.Bloomberg

The bumper inflows exceeded the Php1.5 trillion initial target for the past year.

The Asean nation not only overshot its original aim: it was up 28 per cent, outpacing 2023’s Php1.26 trillion ($21.58 billion), outperforming neighbouring countries like Thailand and Malaysia in this metric.

The biggest winners in wooing fresh capital: renewable energy (RE) and manufacturing, among others, as per the Presidential Communications Office.

Green energy leads 

• The energy sector led the charge, securing Php1.38 trillion ($23.6 billion) — a massive 40 per cent jump from last year.
• Other booming sectors: air and water transport, mass housing, manufacturing, water supply, waste management, and real estate.

Economic zones

The Philippines, once dubbed as the "Silicon Valley" of South-east Asia, has lost its sheen due to power intermittency and high rates.

Now, it's plotting a comback, as the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) also shattered expectations, raking in Php214.17 billion ($3.67 billion), surpassing its Php200 billion ($3.5 billion) goal for 2024.

Investment boom

Though officials didn’t directly link the surge to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’ global investment push, trade leaders credit his overseas trips for securing major deals. 

President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan with Ferdinand Marcos Jr, President of the Republic of the Philippines, at Qasr Al Shati in Abu Dhabi in November 2024.

File photo | WAM

Australia: Marcos locked in $1.53 billion (Php86 billion) across renewable energy, clean tech, IT-BPM, and healthcare, plus an expansion of Victoria International Container Terminal (VICT).

Germany & Czech Republic: Fresh investments are rolling in, with PEZA reporting nearly Php75 billion — about 43 per cent of its annual target — linked directly to the international trade missions.

Vietnam: VinGroup pledged investments in EV battery production, fueling the government’s transport modernisation.

Japan: A sweet deal between local Auro Chocolate and retail giant Mitsukoshi will benefit 1,000 Filipino families, blending Davao’s cacao with Japanese flavours like matcha and miso.

What’s next?

Manila is doubling down on investment-friendly policies in 2025, ensuring the Philippines remains a top destination for business, innovation, and job creation, said Trade Secretary Cristina Roque.

“We will continue to refine and implement forward-looking policies that attract investments in these key industries, ensuring that the Philippines remains a prime destination for innovation and growth,” Roque was quoted as saying by the Presidential Communications Office.

With this momentum, the Philippines isn’t just catching up — it’s leading the pack in the Asean.

Challenges

The country is tackling a key challenge: energy security and high cost of power.

Policy makers are leading the drive with a mix of renewable energy (RE) expansion and mega gas-to-energy projects, potentially dislodging coal.

In 2024, the Philippines ramped up RE capacity: more than 4,000 megawatts (MW) of power projects came online, as per the Department of Energy (DOE).

In June, the agency approved the construction of 16 offshore wind farms, with an estimated potential capacity of 7,668 MW. 

In September, Danish firm Copenhagen Offshore Partners announced a $3-billion investment for the 1-gigawatt (GW) San Miguel Bay offshore wind power project in Camarines Sur, about 400km south-east of Manila.

Juice from this wind project will start energizing the power grid from 2028.

In November, the $3.4-billion integrated solar-battery project, claimed to be the “biggest-of-its-type-in-the-world” in a 3,500-hectare (35 sq km) land in Nueva Ecija and Bulacan, broke ground north of the capital, combining solar and batteries, able to power the equivalent of 2 million local homes.

The Philippines also announced 20 dams for hydro-electric power generation.

Earlier this month (January 2025), the Philippines and UAE sealed a $15-billion landmark solar-wind-batteries deal aimed to bolster the Asean nation’s renewable energy credentials.

Policy mandate

Policy has been tweaked, too: electricity suppliers are now mandated to increase their RE sourcing by at least 2.52 per cent annually starting in 2023, up from the previous 1 per cennt annual increase in 2020. 

Filipino business tycoons are turning into battery barons, ramping up megawatt-scale “power banks” – including ones on floating platforms, with container-size battery energy storage systems (BESS).

A key advantage: they can be quickly deployed where needed. More than 60 sites across the archipelago had been completed or in the roll-out stage.  

Global recognition  

While the Philippines still has one of the highest power rates in the region, the push for REs is hoped to bring rates down.

With companies like Aboitiz Power, ACEN, and Meralco scaling up solar farms and offshore wind, the Philippines landed second in the 2024 Climatescope Report by BloombergNEF, reflecting investor confidence in greening drive.

Will these moves push some — if not all — of the 60 coal-fired plants (with generating capacity of 12 GW) to retire earlier than planned?

It's early days.

The ramp in RE underscores Manila’s efforts to creating a greener, end-user and investor-friendly (and, hopefully, cheaper!) power eco-system.

Yokohama, Minebeamitsumi commit P7.4 billion in new PH investments

Yokohama, Minebeamitsumi commit P7.4 billion in new PH investments

Story by Alden M. Monzon
Inquirer.net
25 June 2024

Japan-based tire manufacturer Yokohama Rubber Co. Ltd and electronics manufacturing company MinebeaMitsumi have expressed interest to invest at least P7.4 billion in the Philippines, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) said on Monday.

Trade Secretary Alfredo Pascual met with representatives of these companies last week during his trip to Japan from June 19 to June 21.

“They have plans of expanding their semiconductor factory in Cebu,” Pascual said of MinebeaMitsumi’s plans, “And then they might set up also a solar farm to support their factory in Cebu.”As for Yokohama, Pascual said that it plans to expand its local production capacity, being the only tire manufacturer left in the Philippines.

During the trip, Pascual had also met with Mitsubishi Corp., the Sumitomo Corp., Sojitz Corp., Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd., the Yokohama Rubber Co. Ltd., Taiheiyo Cement Corp., and Marubeni Corp., which reaffirmed around P60 billion in investments in the Philippines.

“We will continue to work closely with our Japanese partners to ensure a stable and competitive business environment in the Philippines,” Pascual said in a statement over the weekend.

Peza mission

Meanwhile, the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (Peza) said that at least five Japanese companies were conducting due diligence for their proposed ecozone project in the Philippines.

“These specific activities include manufacturing and assembly of a jet bridge, smart parking structure and submersible pump for waste water treatment, digital health back office support, solar energy development, agro-processing and food export cargo logistics,” Peza Director General Tereso Panga said in a statement.

The Peza held its third investment mission to Japan for the year on June 17 to June 21, with the trip and activities organized by the Science Park of the Philippines Inc. , one of the leading economic zone developers in the country. INQ

Tech companies relocating to PHL

Chipmakers “choosing” Phl, pulling out from China

Raffy Ayeng
Daily Tribune
May 03, 2024

Two multinational companies from Japan and the United States are choosing the Philippines to be their next country destination for operation, pulling out from China and partnering with the EMS Group.

EMS Group — a Biñan, Laguna-based electronic, semiconductor, and medical subcontracting group — offers technology and manufacturing solutions.

Perry Ferrer, the chairperson and CEO of EMS Group, said that although the deal for the transfer is confirmed and is already in a dry run phase, he cannot divulge the names of the companies as it might disrupt their current operation and production in China.

“We are looking at a total package of investment of around $800 million. It's for the semiconductor. Part of that $800 million is already here, quietly. It's already running, and the full-rate production will happen probably in 2026, as they are still testing the waters in the Philippines," Ferrer told reporters on Friday in a roundtable interview at Laguna Technopark, Inc. SEZ, Biñan, a manufacturing complex being operated by the Philippine Economic Zone Authority.

"If we complete the acquisition of a larger factory in 2025 somewhere in the Batangas area, then 2026 will be their full production,” he revealed.

He said to date, EMS runs one of the two company's factories as proof of concept and to test the high-quality workmanship of Filipino workers.

“Part of the test is the communication aspect if workers can converse technically and administratively in English, particularly to the business, technology or technical discussion, which we are very confident of,” he said.

He said with the upcoming investments, around 2,500 to 3,000 workforce will be produced by 2026.

EMS, as part of the deal, will produce power-integrated circuits, which are being used in automotive, particularly in electric vehicles.

“They are here because they want to validate what we have been selling all along in the past year about the improved business climate in the Philippines and the ease of doing business, which is the top priority of the current administration,” he said.

However, he admitted that there are still areas of improvement when it comes to the ease of doing business.

During his Manila visit this week, US Assistant Secretary of State for the Bureau of Economic and Business Affairs Ramin Toloui said the US government treats the Philippines as a significant player for semiconductors, benefiting the CHIPS and Science Act in 2022 that was passed by US lawmakers, allocating nearly $53 billion to rebuild its domestic chip supply chain and invest in future research and development.

Of the said total, $39 billion is dedicated to initiatives that boost semiconductor manufacturing, particularly the production of silicon wafers in the US.

“Part of that funding was also in deepening international partnerships. In particular, there is a need for additional manufacturing and the Philippines has been a significant player in the testing and packaging component or the downstream manufacturing of semiconductors,” Toloui said.

The EMS Group is a complete electronic, semiconductor, and medical subcontracting group that offers technology and manufacturing solutions.

Backed by its 20-year history in the field and the presence of the most credible industry experts, EMS group employs quality-driven and innovative strategies to achieve the quality, cost, and productivity targets of the customer, committed to keeping the Philippines' edge in electronics and semiconductor manufacturing.

As of March 2024, the EMS Group has more than 10,400 employees, composed of support groups, engineering and technical, and with more than 9,600 in the production segment.

Philippines on Japan's Top 10 list to do business

PH remains in Japanese firms’ Top 10

Story by Alden M. Monzon
Inquirer.net
01 May 2024

The Philippines kept its 8th place ranking in a list of countries that, for Japanese firms, are most promising to do business in, remaining one of their favorites for the fifth straight year.

This is according to the latest report from the Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC) posted late last month, a study which drew data and gathered responses from 534 Japanese firms from July 11 to Sept. 1, 2023.

The Philippines’ ranking was unchanged in the latest report, following its dip from seventh to the eighth place in 2022.

Also, India maintained the top position while Vietnam rose from fourth to second place.

China, which was previously in second place, fell to third place as the United States also dropped to fourth place from third.

Auto sector

At number five was Indonesia, up from the sixth spot, while Thailand went down to being sixth after previously being one rung higher.

The Philippines also was included in the Top 10 list when measured in terms of specific industries.

In particular, the Philippines was ranked eighth for the automobile industry, sixth in electrical equipment and electronics, and tenth in chemicals as well as in general machinery.

Japanese companies are among the top foreign investors in the Philippines.

According to records from the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (Peza), Japan is their top source of investments by country and accounts for about 27 percent of the total investments today in their economic hubs.

To date, there are around 884 Japanese enterprises located in the different special economic zones under the administration of the Peza. INQ

Puerto Princesa's march to progress

Puerto Princesa’s rapid rise to progress

Story by Marielle Jo Medina
Inquirer.net
21 April 2024

The city of Puerto Princesa in the province of Palawan is a highly urbanized and independent city that has its own legislative district. Located about 306 nautical miles from Manila or 55 minutes by commercial plane, the city’s airport and seaport are among the important transport links in the Mimaropa Region.

Taken from: pfacasylum.blogspot.com

Puerto Princesa is known for its booming tourism and untapped natural resources. As one of the greenest and largest cities in the Philippines, the local government is proactively taking steps so that the city will realize its economic potential.

According to preliminary data released by the city’s tourism department, tourist arrivals in Puerto Princesa reached nearly 529,000 in 2023. This figure is 76 percent higher compared to the 300,000 tourists in 2022. The tourism department said these statistics account for visitors who spent at least one night in Puerto Princesa, excluding transient tourists from cruise ships or those just passing through.

Prime investment hub

Puerto Princesa City is on a consistent and robust urban development track. As a top destination in the Mimaropa region, it is a prime investment hub particularly for the tourism and hospitality industries. It has also attracted ventures related to real estate development, for those who seek to reside or expand businesses in the paradise island of Palawan.

The Puerto Princesa local government is continuously improving its infrastructure to stimulate economic development. Plans are underway to revitalize and improve its central business district by constructing new commercial buildings to attract investments in its growing business processing outsourcing industry.

According to the IT and Business Process Association of the Philippines (IBPAP), Puerto Princesa is one of the locations touted to be high potential areas for transformation into “digital cities” by 2025.

In December 2023, the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (Peza) said that it is targeting to open a 26,000-hectare Iwahig mega economic zone at the prison complex in Puerto Princesa within the term of President Marcos.

Peza officials have earlier expressed their wish to turn this economic hub in Palawan into a publicly owned economic zone, focusing mainly on developing it as a manufacturing hub. Peza Director General Tereso Panga said that the planned mega economic zone would be ideal to host the production line of automotive vehicles, including electric vehicles. The goal is to transform the penal colony into a self-sustaining community, complete with its own power and water sources.

Iconic destinations

Puerto Princesa is home to some of the most iconic tourist destinations in the country such as the Underground River National Park, Tubbataha National Marine Park, and the resort town of El Nido. The development of key destinations such as Honda Bay, Tagbarungis Eco-Park, Tagkawayan Beach, and the Acacia & Heritage Parks is also in the pipeline of the local government.

In October 2022, the local government of Puerto Princesa City said it is eyeing about P300 billion worth of new investments from its latest push to get investors to set up their businesses in the city, which include a new safari park.

Puerto Princesa Mayor Lucilo Bayron highlighted the P200-billion investment from the more than 1,000-ha Sta. Lucia Environmental Estate, which is being positioned to become an ecotourism park and a major environmental hub.

There are also plans to upgrade the city’s fishport and improve the fishing sector in the city, which Bayron said would result in thousands of new jobs not just for the locals, but also for people from other places in the country who wish to work there.

According to data from the local government, commercial fishery in the port contributed 62 percent of the city’s annual fish production, with about 19,246 metric tons of fish directly shipped to Metro Manila and other provinces.

Businesses that could benefit from the development of the fishing sector in Puerto Princesa include fish processing, ice plant, refrigeration facilities, canneries, and wholesale and retail stores.

Emerging MICE sector

The local government of Puerto Princesa is also bent on developing Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) tourism.

Puerto Princesa tourism chief Demetrio Alvior Jr. said MICE tourism brings substantial economic benefits through corporate spending on venues, accommodations, dining and transportation, exceeding leisure travel expenses.

He said the city hosted about 800 MICE events in 2023, attracting nearly 70,000 visitors.

But the city is faced with capacity limitation and can only currently accommodate a maximum of 1,000 individuals, according to Alvior. To address this, the city government has plans to build convention centers to increase visitor capacity and stimulate more flights to Puerto Princesa, ultimately enhancing the city’s tourism infrastructure and its ability to host larger events and more tourists.

Source: Inquirer Archives, Philippine News Agency