ILOILO – The India Business Forum (IBF) Philippines Association Inc. donated P12.9 million worth of medicines to the province of Iloilo.
The medicines were coursed through the Embassy of India and the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) Iloilo, and turned over during the flag raising ceremony at the Iloilo Provincial Capitol on Monday morning, July 31.
A grateful Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr. said the medicines will be distributed to 13 district hospitals and the Iloilo Provincial Hospitals in Pototan town.
The governor added that this is a big help to the healthcare system in the province and a first concrete step in furthering the partnership between the province of Iloilo and India.
“The companies of India can donate medicines because they have a developed pharmaceutical industry. We are inspired by that. We are partnering with universities and academic institutions in pursuing research and development and that may include pharmaceuticals. Because we have universities here and academic institutions that are very good and has potential in pharmacy,” Defensor said.
The turnover ceremony was led by Economics and Commerce counselor Sadre Alam, IBF president Dileep Tiwari, PCCI-Iloilo president Fulbert Woo, Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr., Provincial Administrator Raul Banias, Hospital Management Office chief Dr. Paz Calopiz, and the chiefs of the provincial and district hospitals.
Alam said the event was “a testimony to the longstanding friendship and strong partnership between our two countries.”
“The socioeconomic agenda and priority sectors of the government of Philippines such as agriculture, health, Fintech, etc. are also the focus areas of cooperation of my government,” he added.
In May, the Indian government held a business roadshow in Iloilo in partnership with PCCI-Iloilo.
“As part of our development partnership, in the coming days, we look forward to implementing 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 said.
Alam added: “Next year, India and Philippines will mark and celebrate the 75th year of our diplomatic relations. We seek your kind support to ensure a grand celebration at the popular level in every part of Philippines including Iloilo.” (With a report from Capitol News)/PN
