Text by Charmaine A. Lingdas
Photos by Sarah Hazel Moces S. Pulumbarit
UPM TTBDO Director Lourdes Marie Tejero and her team showcased UP Manila’s innovative herbal technologies and medical devices.
The University of the Philippines (UP) Manila participated in the 2nd Philippine Pharma and Healthcare Expo (PPHC) held at the SMX Convention Centre, Mall of Asia. The three-day event, from Feb. 25 to 27, 2025, gathered key stakeholders in the pharmaceutical and healthcare industries to discuss innovations, policies, and developments that shape the sector. Organized by the ACE Group and Genesis Exhibitions with the ASEAN India Business Council and UP Manila as partners, the international expo provided an immense opportunity to capture the untapped market of the Southeast Asian Region through the Philippines.
The Philippine pharmaceutical and medical industries are among the fastest-growing sectors in the country, hosting over 14 of the world’s top 20 pharmaceutical companies in 2021, according to Dr. Luis Ramon Rodriguez, president of the Medical Device Association of the Philippines. This was reinforced by Harsh Kumar Jain, the ambassador of India to the Philippines, as he emphasized the industry’s role in fostering a healthier and more prosperous society, noting the immense potential for collaboration in healthcare research, regulatory alignment, and education between India and the Philippines. Ambassador Jain also stressed that by leveraging India’s expertise in generic medicines and pharmaceutical manufacturing, healthcare can become more affordable and accessible to Filipinos.
UP Manila Innovations
UP Manila, a leader in health sciences education and research, featured groundbreaking medical and pharmaceutical innovations developed by its faculty and researchers through the Knowledge Session, where UP Manila showcased locally developed herbal medicines and biomedical devices.
Prof. Jade Rodriguez presented the Ulasimang Bato tablet for gout (read more), while Prof. Jaime Purificacion introduced Tsaang Gubat as a treatment for colic (read more). Senior Researcher Essel Tolosa highlighted the Yerba Buena tablet for pain management (read more), offering a natural alternative for analgesic treatment.
Dr. Philip Fullante unveiled the Kuchi Surgical Mouth Retractor (read more), a device designed to enhance surgical efficiency and patient comfort in dental and oral procedures. Dr. Rafael Bundoc introduced the MOViES and DISSECT systems (read more), which revolutionize medical education and improve surgical precision. Meanwhile, Dr. Raymond B. Yu presented Tuklas Lunas Anti-Hyperglycemic Formulations (read more), a research-driven innovation aimed at advancing diabetes management.
Prof. Lourdes Marie Tejero, director of the Technology Transfer and Business Development Office, stated, “We are fortunate to have such innovations here in the Philippines, but today, we can only present a few of the many that we have. UP Manila alone has more than 100 health-related inventions, and half of them already have patent applications, along with many utility models and other innovations.” She emphasized the importance of translating research into real-world applications, ensuring that scientific discoveries benefit the public.
The participation of UP Manila in the expo underscores the university’s commitment to advancing healthcare solutions that are accessible and effective for the Filipino population. As it continues to lead in health research and innovation, the institution’s participation in the 2nd Philippine Pharma and Healthcare Expo reaffirmed its role as a driving force in shaping the future of healthcare in the country. With a strong focus on evidence-based solutions and technology-driven advancements, the university remains committed to improving the health and well-being of Filipinos through research, education, and community service.#
