UP, BOI ink partnership to promote herbal products

MANILA, Philippines — The University of the Philippines will enhance the commercial performance of UP Manila’s herbal medicine products under a partnership with the Board of Investments (BOI).

Under a memorandum of agreement with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)’s BOI, the university said the parties would develop and promote investments in agricultural and herbal medicine industries.

The partnership also allows the BOI and UP to share ideas, inventions and tools to improve herbal medicine products.

Under the partnership, UP Manila will conduct a series of roadshows across the country to promote tsaang gubat tablet and syrup for abdominal pain and diarrhea, ulasimang bato tablet for managing hyperuricemia, yerba buena tablet known for its analgesic properties, akapulk o lotion for treating fungal skin infections and ampalaya tablet, a natural remedy for Type 2 diabetes.

“This partnership not only highlights UP Manila’s role as a leader in herbal medicine research, but also reinforces its mission to contribute to national development through science and technology,” the university said.

“The combined efforts of UP Manila and BOI are expected to entice potential investors, driving the commercialization of Filipino-made herbal products and supporting the country’s public health initiatives,” UP Manila added.

BOI Undersecretary Ceferino Rodolfo earlier said the agreement seeks to promote locally developed biofertilizers from UP Los Baños and herbal medicine technologies from UP Manila.

The BOI said the agreement can also strengthen the agribusiness supply chain by providing biofertilizers and leveraging the country’s natural resources for herbal medicine production.

UPLB and UP Manila officials said the measure is expected “to empower local industries, enhance food security and open new investment and export opportunities.”

“The focus on technology transfer is also seen as a catalyst to inspire researchers to develop more innovations that will improve the lives of Filipinos,” UPLB said.

Ma. Corazon Halili-Dichosa, executive director of the BOI Industry Development Services, said the agency looks forward to domestic roadshows that would boost domestic investments.

She said the DTI is ready to offer incentives and investment facilitation assistance to technology adopters.