Micro firms set to get FDA permits faster
The government has launched a six-month pilot program that will help microenterprises secure their permits from the Food and Drug Authority (FDA) faster.
This will be implemented in collaboration with the Department of Health (DOH), the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) said in a recent statement.
The program will focus on businesses producing so-called low-risk food products with assets worth a maximum of P3 million.
Examples of low-risk products, as listed in a FDA circular dated two years ago, are confectionery, processed meat and ready-to-eat savories like potato chips, according to DTI.
“These people chose to change the course of their lives through starting a business. Hence, we need to lessen their hurdles in growing their business and mainstreaming their products,” said Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez.
Lopez, Health Secretary Francisco Duque III, DOH Undersecretary Rolando Enrique Domingo and FDA Director General Nela Charade Puno signed a memorandum of understanding on Dec. 21 to launch the pilot program.
Starting January next year, the FDA will deploy representatives in all DTI Negosyo Centers in the National Capital Region to train micro enterprises and preassess their applications for licenses to operate (LTOs), DTI said.
Upon passing the preassessment, these applications will be forwarded to the FDA, who committed to release the LTOs in 15 days.
Under the program, these micro businesses will also be exempted from getting certificates of product registration.
After the pilot run, the agencies will evaluate the program’s effectiveness and prepare for a possible rollout in more regions throughout the Philippines.
Also, the FDA is working on an online portal that allows users to fill out forms and pay online.
The portal named IDOL, or Initiative ni Digong Operation Livelihood, will have training modules to walk applicants through the process of getting FDA permits and licenses.
