Text by Jennifer Manongdo
Photo courtesy of Erlyn May Pareja

Officials of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the University of the Philippines inked a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) aimed at fostering the education and training of future drug regulatory experts through practical training and joint research initiatives. The agreement also allows the promotion of herbal medicines, ensuring their safety and quality meet international standards. 

The MOA signing on April 15, 2025, at UP Manila was led by FDA Director General Samuel Zacate, Chancellor Michael Tee, and other officials of both institutions. 

Under the agreement, the FDA becomes one of the accredited internship sites for UP Manila students of related courses, such as pharmacology and pharmacy. This initiative prepares students for roles in the regulatory field by exposing them to FDA processes, such as product registration, compliance, and post-market surveillance, ensuring their proficiency in both scientific and regulatory duties. 

At the same time, the academic institution becomes an accredited laboratory testing site of the FDA, rendering specific laboratory services, including testing for samples for health products at a subsidized fee. 

The MOA also stipulates that UP Manila will spearhead specialized academic and scientific training programs to improve the technical skills of FDA employees and personnel. An expert panel consisting of representatives from concerned colleges of UP Manila, such as the College of Pharmacy, College of Public Health, and College of Medicine, will provide technical opinions on FDA matters as necessary. 

“This collaboration opens opportunities for both agencies, from curricular co-development to enhancement of laboratory and regulatory services.  Our focus will be on ensuring the delivery of quality services and products to the Filipinos,” Chancellor Michael Tee said. 

During the event, FDA Director General Samuel Zacate also vowed to streamline the procedures for reviewing scientific research, including studies on herbal medicines, to fast-track the approval and application of evidence-based innovations.

The partnership will run until 2028 and is expected to enhance government regulatory policies and scientific research practices in support of the nation’s healthcare system.

UP Manila has been at the forefront of producing innovative medical solutions. Recently, it received two Palladium awards from the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL) for successfully securing international patents and promoting intellectual property rights among its pharmaceutical products, instructional tools for medical education, and medical devices.#

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