Bio Asia-Taiwan 2025 awardees
Bio Asia-Taiwan 2025 awardees

The Philippines marked a strong presence in Taiwan with the showcase of its emerging capabilities in biotechnology and health innovation at Bio Asia 2025 held from 23 to 27 July 2025 in Taipei Nangang Exhibition Center.

From low-cost diagnostics to AI-driven healthcare solutions, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) through the Philippine trade and Investment Center (PTIC) in Taipei and the Export Marketing Bureau (EMB), together with the Manila Economic Cultural Offie (MECO) and PHILEXPORT brought a focused delegation of leading institutions and companies to highlight the country’s strengths in digital health, clinical research, and academic-industry collaboration.

A key highlight of this year’s participation is the recognition of Dr. Raul V. Destura, CEO of Manila HealthTek Inc., as a Bio Asia Taiwan 2025 awardee for his leadership in public health innovation. Dr. Destura’s pioneering work has led to cost-effective diagnostic tools for dengue, COVID-19, and African Swine Fever, significantly improving healthcare accessibility and emergency preparedness in developing countries. His strong commitment to making quality healthcare accessible, especially in low-income areas, continues to drive practical and innovative solutions that address gaps in the healthcare system.

“We are investing in building a bio community that creates solutions for society’s needs—because the future starts with what we choose to build today,” said Dr. Destura. “With our capabilities now globally competitive, we’re ready to expand collaborations that deliver impact at scale.”

His work also includes efforts to tackle antimicrobial resistance, neglected tropical diseases, and collaborative dengue research with Taiwan under the MECO-TECO partnership, further reinforcing the Philippines’ role in advancing regional health security.

“Our renewed presence at Bio Asia reflects the momentum we’ve built in positioning Philippine life sciences capabilities on the global stage,” said PTIC-Taipei Trade Representative Anthony B. Rivera.

Relatively, MECO Chairperson Atty. Cheloy Velicaria Garafil stated, “We aim to deepen international partnerships in research, commercialization, and the export of high-impact health solutions.”

Participating organizations include De La Salle Medical and Health Sciences Institute, Harvest Integrated Research Organization (HiRO), Quanby Solutions Inc., MedCheck Philippines, and The Medical City. DTI continues to scale its innovations, reinforcing the Philippines’ role in shaping global biotechnology and health priorities while driving inclusive and sustainable growth.

Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Executives Director Bianca Sykimte, Export Marketing Bureau (DTI-EMB) — rightmost, and Director Anthony Rivera, Philippine Trade and Investment Center (PTIC) in Taipei — center, together with Dr. Raul V. Destura — third from right and the rest of the Philippine team at the Bio Asia-Taiwan 2025.
Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Executives Director Bianca Sykimte, Export Marketing Bureau (DTI-EMB) — rightmost, and Director Anthony Rivera, Philippine Trade and Investment Center (PTIC) in Taipei — center, together with Dr. Raul V. Destura — third from right and the rest of the Philippine team at the Bio Asia-Taiwan 2025.
Dr. Raul V. Destura, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Healthtek discussed the innovations in technology developed to help combat the common diseases that affects Filipinos during the Bio Asia Awards pitching session.
Dr. Raul V. Destura, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Healthtek discussed the innovations in technology developed to help combat the common diseases that affects Filipinos during the Bio Asia Awards pitching session.

Date of Release: 14 August 2025