The Bureau of Food and Drugs (BFAD) plans to increase its fees which will allow it to hire more manpower, improve equipment and expand its office as part of its strengthening capabilities.

Melody Zamudio, food and drug regulation officer said that a new law, Republic Act 9711 “Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) Act of 2009,” renames the BFAD to FDA and strengthens its regulatory powers, resources and capabilities to efficiently and expeditiously perform its mandate.

Enacted into law last month, RA 9711 aims to boost the regulatory capacity of the FDA by mandating the establishment of adequate testing laboratories and field offices and at the same time upgrading its equipment and personnel and authorizing the agency to retain income. (EHL)