The Philippine government gets a boost in its vaccination and anti-coronavirus campaign as the Korean government on Tuesday donated 34 refrigerated trucks and four service vans valued at USD1.5 million (approximately PHP77 million).
The Korean Embassy in Manila said the latest aid is to support the Philippines’ National Immunization Program, especially the government’s coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) inoculation efforts.
The vehicles will be deployed to various Department of Health regional offices through the Center for Health Development to support the cold chain transportation of vaccines.
“We are very pleased to partner with DOH to support the Philippines’ Covid-19 vaccination campaign. With the donation of these cold-chain trucks and vans, we are expecting to make a further contribution to the National Immunization Program,” Korean Ambassador Kim Inchul said during the turnover ceremony at the DOH office.
To date, Korea’s total Covid-19 contribution to the Philippines amounts to over USD210 million (PHP10.6 billion), part of which was used to procure 510,000 doses of AstraZeneca vaccines, 970,000 masks, 167,000 hygiene kits, 1,200 personal protective equipment, 530,000 swab test kits, seven walk-through booths, two extraction equipment, six isolation beds, and rice to feed 365,000 Filipinos.
About USD200 million, on the other hand, was allocated as budget support to help the government scale up its Covid-19 response.
“As the Philippine true partner and friend, Korea will continue to support the Philippines’ efforts to vaccinate its people, control Covid-19 pandemic and achieve economic recovery,” the Embassy said.
The handover ceremony was also attended by Health Secretary Francisco Duque III and Vaccine Czar Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr.
Source: Philippines News Agency