PH to donate $1-M to WHO’s COVAX facility

By NG Seruela

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte announced on Monday evening (May 31) that the Philippines will donate $1 million to the World Health Organization’s (WHO) COVAX facility, following the latter’s solicitation of contributions from various countries.  

In the President’s latest weekly address, he said that the COVAX facility is “soliciting contributions from countries who can help.” The COVAX facility is an operating unit of the WHO that gives out free COVID-19 vaccines to the countries that are in dire need of them.

“Itong binibigay ng COVAX sa atin marami at ngayon, bumawi naman sila na nagkukulang na ‘yong pera nila to help other countries, maybe including the Philippines, and they are asking for contributions para makabili pa sila, to keep the operation running because, well, probably [they] are running low of funds also; and they have asked the Philippines formally for a donation. “

President Duterte explained that the Philippines will give $1 million equivalent to around ₱50-M as a response to the facility’s solicitation since the COVAX has been helping the country throughout the latter’s vaccination program.

“Mag-ko-contribute po ako kasi napakabuti ng COVAX sa atin. At the time we needed it most, [it is] one of the earliest agencies to help us aside from the contributions made by China.”

“We were recipients of COVAX vaccines many times and it has helped a lot in our desire to vaccinate Filipinos. Ngayon sila naman ang nagkulang ng pera, maybe because they are helping other nations all over the world. And well, as a beneficiary of the generosity of COVAX and their desire also to help people, we will answer their pleadings of donation.  The Philippines is giving 1 million dollars,” he added.

The Chief Executive emphasized that it is the Philippines’ turn to “return the goodwill that they have shown.” -rir

Popular

WALANG PASOK: Class suspensions for July 18 due to inclement weather

Classes in the following areas have been suspended on Friday, July 18, due to the effects of Tropical Depression Crising and the southwest...

Palace responds to OVP statement vs. PBBM admin

Malacañang on Thursday, July 17, reaffirmed President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s willingness to support the Office of the Vice President’s (OVP) programs and his...

PH population reaches 112.7-M —PSA

By Brian Campued The official population count of the Philippines reached 112,729,484 as of July 1, 2024, the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) announced Thursday. The latest...

NDRRMC now on ‘red alert’ due to ‘Crising’; DSWD assures aid to affected communities

By Brian Campued In line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive for a whole-of-government approach to disaster preparedness and response, the National Disaster Risk...