By Rjay Zuriaga Castor
The provincial government of Iloilo received a P13 million worth of medical supplies and equipment from the India Business Forum Philippines Association Inc., on Monday.
The donation was made possible through the Embassy of India in Manila and the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry-Iloilo Chapter.
“The companies of India can donate medicines because they have a developed pharmaceutical industry,” Iloilo Governor Arthur Defensor said, emphasizing that the donation contributes to the Universal Health Care status of the province.
Defensor added that this has inspired the provincial government to collaborate with local universities and academic institutions to focus on research and development, potentially including pharmaceuticals.
“We have universities here and academic institutions that are very good and [have] potential in pharmacy,” he added.
The University of San Agustin, Central Philippine University, and PHINMA – University of Iloilo are the three universities in Iloilo that offer a Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy program.
Dr. Sadre Alam, the Embassy’s Counsellor for Economic & Commerce, said the provincial government’s socioeconomic agenda aligns with India’s priorities in sectors like healthcare, agriculture, and financial technology.
“As part of our development partnership, in the coming days, we look forward to implementing a few quick impact projects in Iloilo that would exemplify our bilateral relation, and for this, we seek the active and continued collaboration of the Iloilo local government,” he added.
In May this year, around 30 leading Indian businesses explored investment opportunities and potential partnerships in Iloilo through a business roadshow.
