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
