The India Business Forum (IBF) Philippines Association Inc., through the Embassy of India and the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry Iloilo, has donated medicines worth P12.9 million to the province of Iloilo.
The turnover ceremony was led by Mr. Sadre Alam, Counsellor of the Economic and Commerce; Mr. Dileep Tiwari, President of the Indian Business Forum; PCCI President Mr. 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 on July 31, 2023 during the regular flag ceremony at the Iloilo Provincial Capitol lobby.
Alam said the event is “a testimony to the longstanding friendship and strong partnership between our two countries.”
“The socio-economic 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 said.
Last May, the Indian government held a business roadshow in Iloilo in partnership with PCCI.
“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.
“Next year, India and Philippines will mark and celebrate the 75th (platinum) 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,” Alam added.
Governor Defensor thanked the Indian Business Forum for the donation which is a big help to the hospitals and the healthcare system in the province, adding that it is the first concrete step in furthering the partnership between the province of Iloilo and India.
The governor said that the donation of medicines also serves as an inspiration in the province’s plan to embark on research and development in partnership with the universities and academic institutions.
“The companies of India can donate medicines because they have a developed pharmaceutical industry. And 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. (Capitol News)
