VICTORIA, Tarlac (May 1, 2025) — In a historic move set to transform Central Luzon’s economic landscape, the Victoria Industrial Park (VIP) officially opened yesterday as the Philippines’ first pharmaceutical-focused economic zone.
Government officials and business leaders hail it as a game-changer for local employment and healthcare accessibility.
Over 1,000 guests, including investors, local officials, and industry stakeholders, gathered at the 30-hectare ecozone in Barangay Baculong here to witness the landmark launch.
The event was graced by Tarlac Governor Susan Yap and Tarlac 2nd District Congressional Representative Christian Yap, who delivered the welcome address, emphasizing the park’s role in bringing high-quality jobs to the province.
“This isn’t just an industrial park, it’s a lifeline for our farmers and workers that will help generate thousands of jobs,” Rep. Yap said.
The VIP was established under Proclamation No. 623, signed by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in July 2024, designating the 297,719-square-meter property as a special economic zone.
Food and Drug Administration Director General Dr. Samuel Zacate revealed that the President personally instructed the creation of an exclusive pharmaceutical hub to improve access to affordable medicines.
“Meron kaming laboratory at office sa site mismo, so lahat ng mag-i-invest dito ay mayroong ‘green lane’ o fast access for registration ng mga drugs,” Zacate announced.
The first on-site FDA satellite office in a Philippine ecozone will also serve businesses outside Metro Manila, speeding up regulatory approvals.
Philippine Economic Zone Authority Director General Tereso Panga praised the VIP as a pioneering project, noting that it is the first ecozone applicant with a pharmaceutical specialization.
“This is the first of its kind in the Philippines, and we encourage more companies to locate here,” Panga said, citing Greenstone Pharmaceutical (maker of Katinko) as a key anchor investor.
Anti-Red Tape Authority Secretary Ernesto Perez assured locators of minimal red tape, reinforcing the government’s commitment to a business-friendly environment.
The ceremony featured MOA and MOU signings with 13 companies, signaling strong investor confidence in the VIP: Lifestrong Marketing Inc., a medicine & cosmetics distributor; ACP Heavy Industries, a generator manufacturer; Greenstone Pharmaceutical, Katinko producer; Goodfield, cosmetics and home care products manufacturer; Ethosperic, Inc., EU-market cosmetics manufacturer; Solstice ECOventures, Inc., beauty products manufacturer for the Australian market;
Triumphus Ventures, Inc., pharma & cosmetics distributor; Medinext, Inc., manufacturer of pharmaceutical products; Revitalix, Inc., a pharma distributor; Kweens Ventures, Inc., consumer & home care goods; K Food, food manufacturing; Verdant Dreams Hong Kong, distributor of Philippine-made products to the Chinese market, and; Creative Ecobub for Philippine Artistry, furniture and home decor exporter
According to Rep. Yap, the provincial government is also helping D’Luxe Bags Philippines and Sutherland relocate here to take advantage of ecozone incentives.
Meanwhile, Melissa Yap, the park’s developer, highlighted the VIP’s potential to generate 10,000 jobs, prioritizing employment for nearby farming communities.
“We want to give opportunities to those who need them most,” she said.
With its FDA-integrated green lane, pharma-focused incentives, and strategic location, the Victoria Industrial Park is poised to become a regional hub for medicine, cosmetics, and export manufacturing, ushering in a new era of growth for Tarlac and the Philippines.
