Key members of the House Committees on Trade and Industry and Health recently toured Amherst Laboratories, the largest manufacturing facility of Unilab, Inc. in Laguna, to examine the company's operations and quality standards. The visit underscores legislative efforts to strengthen the local pharmaceutical industry.
House Committee on Trade and Industry Chair Rep. Maximo Dalog Jr. and House Committee on Health Chair Rep. Ciriaco B. Gato Jr. were briefed on Unilab's manufacturing processes, quality assurance systems, and investments in research and development. The facility, located on a 3.5-hectare Pharma Campus in Mamplasan, Laguna, is the first pharmaceutical plant in the country certified compliant with the Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) standards of the European Union and Singapore.
The plant produces over 200 solid oral medicines—tablets, capsules, and powders—as well as 69 liquid products. Its state-of-the-art systems enable uninterrupted operations and remote monitoring, preventing disruptions from power fluctuations or outages.
Lawmakers observed the stringent quality controls in place, from raw material sourcing through manufacturing, storage, and distribution. Unilab, the Philippines' leading pharmaceutical company with more than 500 brands, follows globally recognized standards across its operations. Its in-house R&D team focuses on evidence-based solutions for Filipino patients.
Rep. Dalog praised Unilab's commitment to local manufacturing, noting it creates employment and showcases Filipino talent. The visit aligns with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s vision for the Philippines to become a self-sufficient pharmaceutical hub in ASEAN.
Unilab has received the Philippine Quality Award for Performance Excellence, while Amherst was awarded the Philippine Quality Award for Mastery in Quality Management.