On September 23, in a significant courtesy call at the FDA Headquarters, Director General Atty. Paolo S. Teston joined industry leaders to discuss current challenges and provide a vision for change within the agency. SPIK President Gretchen Enarle led the chemical industry group, together with SPIK Director Romeo Dela Cruz, PPCA’s TF HUHS Chair Diosdado Cheng, and DTI-BOI representative Geraldine Buela, among others. They emphasized the importance of collaboration between industry and government to advance public health and regulatory efficiency.

DG Teston, who took over at the helm four months ago, displayed a newfound seriousness—visiting with a thick binder of every pending application—and repledged his promise to improve FDA service. He listed structural barriers, including continued office relocation due to earthquake damage, operational constraints resulting from being self-funded, a severe staff shortage, and contentious procurement protocols. Notwithstanding this, DG Teston informed stakeholders that internal transformation is on the rise, as evidenced by his 100% attendance record since assuming the role of DG.

Our priorities are to roll out our Action Center via BPO, transition our Portals into eGov services, upgrade our phone system, and automate LTO renewals based on submissions 180 days before expiration. Larger initiatives are also in progress. These include a move to cloud-based software, hiring 120 new employees as part of an across-the board expansion plan and new fee schedules for 2016. “Better service is on the way,” even as he called for patience while the FDA resurrects its foundation of responsiveness and trust.