Tarlac pharmaceutical ecozone locator operational in 2027

PHARMACEUTICAL manufacturer Zen LifeSciences, Inc. is set to start commercial operations in Tarlac early next year, according to the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA).

In a social media post on Wednesday, PEZA said it signed a registration agreement with the company on Jan. 19, marking Zen LifeSciences’ classification as an export enterprise.

The agreement covers the company’s P1.2-billion manufacturing facility in Luisa Industrial Park-Special Economic Zone in Tarlac, which will start commercial operations by January 2027.

Expected to generate over 90 jobs, the facility will produce medical, wellness, and general healthcare products.

“The registration of Zen LifeSciences is aligned with President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr.’s (instruction to) reduce reliance on imported medicines,” PEZA Director General Tereso O. Panga said.

“By locating in a PEZA ecozone, this project will not only help ensure a stable supply of quality, locally made health products but also create meaningful employment and economic opportunities for communities in Tarlac and nearby areas,” he added.

In a separate statement, PEZA said it launched the Artificial Intelligence (AI) Tech Academy last week, which is expected to deliver practical, industry-driven training in AI, data science, fintech, blockchain, and other emerging technologies.

Aimed at bridging the skills gap, the program will develop a pool of experts “capable of supporting smart manufacturing, advanced services, and the modernization of ecozones nationwide.”

Following the launch, PEZA will also be pursuing an agreement with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, StackTrek, and the IT & Business Process Association of the Philippines for the nationwide rollout of the academy.

The agreement, which will also include local government units hosting ecozones, is expected to help ensure a steady flow of AI-proficient workers in support of the ecozone industry.

“This initiative is also envisioned to complement the Philippine AI Program Framework — a government strategy to leverage AI for economic growth, focusing on high-performing computing, worker upskilling, and research and development (R&D), with a strong emphasis on ethical AI,” PEZA said. — Justine Irish D. Tabile