MANILA — The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) plans to fully transition to digital operations in 2026 as part of broader reforms aimed at improving regulatory efficiency while ensuring public health protection.
FDA Director General Paolo Teston made the announcement during the “Big Bold Reforms: The Philippines 2026” forum, organized by the Department of Finance and the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) on Friday at Shangri-La, The Fort in Taguig City.
“The FDA’s mandate is public health. That has not changed. What is changing is how we deliver on that mandate,” Teston said, emphasizing the agency’s push for digitalization to enhance service delivery.
Teston highlighted the FDA’s ongoing management of a large volume of regulatory work while addressing operational challenges inherited by the agency, underscoring its commitment to reform and responsiveness.
“This FDA listens and responds,” he said.
He also pointed to recent improvements, including higher application processing output, better manpower utilization, system consolidation through cloud migration, and the reopening of the Food and Drug Action Center with enhanced client services.
“For 2026, the FDA will go digital,” Teston added, noting that the shift is expected to improve the speed, transparency, and predictability of regulatory services.
The FDA reaffirmed its commitment to governance reforms that support economic growth while protecting public health through its participation in the Big Bold Reforms forum.
In 2025, the agency reinforced a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach through closer coordination with partner agencies, industry groups, civil society, and other stakeholders, complemented by sustained dialogues and platforms such as Kapihan at Talakayan.
It also strengthened international collaboration with the World Health Organization and regional and global regulatory platforms to keep pace with evolving science and emerging risks. According to the FDA, these efforts improved regulatory practices and ensured that global standards translate into tangible protection and benefits for Filipinos.
Community outreach was expanded through initiatives such as Lab for All and other nationwide activities to bring regulatory and advisory services closer to the public. These measures improved access to guidance for consumers and small businesses, enhanced public awareness on health product safety, and advanced inclusive, people-centered regulation.
Through its Field Regulatory Operations Office, the FDA intensified nationwide inspections, post-market surveillance, and enforcement activities to prevent unsafe and unregistered health products from reaching the public, both offline and online. The agency conducted over 22,000 post-market surveillance activities, inspected 17,348 establishments, and documented 1,174 cases with 876 confirmed takedowns via online monitoring to safeguard consumers and maintain public trust.
The FDA advanced targeted regulatory reforms to clarify processes, improve service responsiveness, and promote equitable access while maintaining science-based standards. Key measures included the opening of the new Food and Drug Action Center, suspension of selected fees, support for micro, small, and medium enterprises and local manufacturers, accelerated digital upgrades, and sustained advocacy initiatives to translate reforms into clearer, more predictable processes that strengthen public confidence.
The agency also bolstered its workforce through plantilla augmentation and capacity-building programs to sustain reforms and ensure effective, science-based regulation. Its regulatory centers processed over 177,311 applications nationwide, underscoring the critical role of a well-supported workforce in delivering consistent public service amid system transitions. (PNA)
Via: Mindanao Herald
