President Rodrigo Duterte welcomed today (Aug. 3) the arrival of 3,000,060 doses of Moderna COVID-19 vaccine donated by the United States Government through the COVAX Facility.
The latest batch of donation, which followed the 3,240,850 Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen vaccines from the US government, arrived at the Villamor Air Base in Pasay City past 4:00 p.m.
Duterte recognized in his speech the generosity of the US for sharing other medical supplies to the Philippines aside from its donated six million doses.
“I wish to thank the United States for the generosity in sharing various COVID-19 assistance to the Philippines. I would like to extend my deepest gratitude to the COVAX Facility for the continuous donation of these vaccines,” he said.
The National Task Force (NTF) Against COVID-19 said the US Embassy, through a press release, said the vaccine donation is part of P1.38 billion US government assistance to the country since the pandemic began.
The Chief Executive also highlighted the strong ties which play a big role as the world continues to wage a defensive stand against the unseen global menace.
“Indeed, the cooperation between the Philippines and the US in overcoming the pandemic highlights the strong and deep friendship between our two countries,” he said.
Read more: Duterte thanks U.S. for 3-M Moderna doses, says donation a factor in VFA renewal
US Embassy Chargé d’Affaires John Law, likewise, assured continuous partnership with the Philippines “to confront and defeat this pandemic” and in making “safe and effective vaccines widely available throughout the country.”
“Despite the challenges and difficulties we’ve endured in the past year and a half, our nations, and our friendship are stronger for having faced them side by side. Nandito kami para sa inyo,” he said.
Duterte was accompanied by several high-ranking officials in the event, including his spokesperson Harry Roque, Health Secretary Francisco Duque III, vaccine czar Carlito Galvez Jr., Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, among others.
For the month of August, the Philippines is expecting 22.7 million vaccine doses from those procured by the government and the donations from the US, United Kingdom, China, and COVAX.
To date, more than 21.2 million doses have been administered in the country. – Report from Mela Lesmoras/AG-rir
