Current GMP training for the cosmetic industry in Cebu

CEBU CITY—Nearly 60 participants from the cosmetic industry are gathered here at the City Sports Club, Cebu City for the Regional Current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP) Training and Workshop on Cosmetics and Household/Urban Hazardous Substances, August 8-9 hosted by the Mandaue Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MCCI) and the Chamber of Cosmetics Industry of the Philippines (CCIP).

“We choose cosmetics because we saw the growth of the industry and it has a huge potential in Mandaue City on only in ecommerce but in small companies that are sprouting here.  We need this cGMP to further their education and to strengthen their permitting systems.,” MCCI president Mark Anthony Ynoc said, in an interview with media today.

Ynoc said that when we discuss about cosmetics, this GMP goes beyond cosmetics, it applies to the entire supply chain of a lot of companies like manufacturing, logistics, food and others.  Following GMP regulations and standards reflects the commitment to proper design, monitoring, and control of manufacturing processes to produce sustainable and high-quality products for the consumers.

Stats of cosmetic industry in the Philippines

According to Statistica.com, the Philippines’ revenue in the Cosmetics market is projected to reach US$794.20m units in 2024 and is expected that the market will experience an annual growth rate of 1.32 percent (Compound Annual Growth Rate 2024-2028).

 

Statistica.com further stated that by 2024, 74 percent of the sales in the Cosmetics market will be attributed to Non-Luxury. The demand for natural and organic cosmetics is growing rapidly in the Philippines, driven by the country's strong focus on sustainability and eco-friendly products.

According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) the country’s cosmetic market is vibrant and rapidly growing, offering an extensive array of beauty and personal care products. To ensure consumer safety and product quality, the country has established a robust Regulatory framework.

The FDA oversees cosmetics in the Philippines and it enforces the Republic Act No. 9711, also known as the "Food and Drug Administration Act of 2009" that categorized cosmetic products as "household hazardous substances" and are subject to strict regulations to safeguard public health.

Some common regulatory challenges the cosmetic industry faces include product registration, ingredient restrictions, labeling and packaging compliance.  The FDA said that these requirements are time-consuming and costly, especially for smaller brands.  These challenges hinder the growth and sustainability of the cosmetic industry, FDA said.

MCCI, CCIP partnership to assist the cosmetic industry

Mary Anne Rose Dakay, MCCI trustee and event chair of the training and workshop, pointed out that the partnership and collaboration of MCCI and CCIP resulted in the creation of the training and workshop.

"Both organizations are united and determined to create opportunities for businesses to improve their manufacturing practices, enhance their product quality, and drive business success," Dakay said.

 

She added that the training program featured interactive sessions designed for the participants to understand their responsibility to ensure that the products they sell are safe, effective, and of consistently high quality. Participants were also updated on the requirements and changes in the laws and regulations related to the cGMPs.

Prior to the training sessions, MCCI represented president Mark Anthony Ynoc and CCIP represented by President Christine Michelle Reyes signed a memorandum of agreement to reinforce the commitment of both organizations to adhering to GMP regulations and standards.

Jesusa Joyce Cirunay, RPh., Director IV and officer-in-charge of the Office of the Deputy Director-General for Field Regulatory Operations Office at the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) shared an inspiring session on guiding the participants toward compliance to drive business success as its keynote speaker.

The resource speakers of the training program include Therese Antoniette Villamor Cuyos, a food and drug regulation officer, a cosmetic technical manager, the OIC regional supervisor of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Region VII, and Grace Gambong Cardona, a licensing officer of the FDA here.

Topics are the 13 modules on the revised ASEAN GMP; product recall and PMS processes; and licensing processes.  The two-day training and workshop also included sponsor talks by One ChemCentral Inc. and Proessences Inc.

Each participant received a GMP certificate upon completion of the training and workshop. The training is one of the highlights of Mandaue Business Month (MBM) 2024, MCCI's annual month-long flagship program that carries the theme "Future Unleashed: Seize the Chance." The MBM 2024 is chaired by Walter Ong and co-chaired by. Marvey Alcantara. (Photos: MBCNewman)