On 24 March 2021, the second batch of 400,000 doses Sinovac COVID-19 vaccines arrived at Ninoy Aquino International Airport. The turnover ceremony were attended by Chinese Ambassador Huang Xilian, Senator Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Tesoro Go, Secretary of Health Francisco T. Duque III, National Task Force against COVID-19 (NTF) Deputy Chief Implementer Secretary Vince Dizon and other officials from the Inter-Agency Task Group and Department of Health of the Philippines.
Ambassador Huang said the arrival of the additional donation highlights the profound friendship and closer partnership between the two nations and peoples. The first batch of 600,000 doses vaccines donated by China are helping kick off the nationwide vaccination in the Philippines. Up to now, over 200,000 people have received Chinese vaccine jabs, significantly boosting the confidence in COVID-19 response and economic recovery.
Ambassador Huang reiterated China’s will to strengthen China-Philippines anti-epidemic cooperation. “The Philippines is facing the challenge of resurgence of cases. Mass vaccination is racing against time. The first batch of 1 million doses of Sinovac vaccines procured by the Philippine government will be delivered in a few days and still more Chinese vaccines will come soon as expected. China will continue to do its utmost to support the Philippines until it secures the final victory against the virus.” Ambassador Huang said.
Senator Bong Go, Health Secretary Duque and NTF Deputy Chief Implementer Secretary Dizon expressed thanks to the Chinese government for the additional donated vaccines. They believed that the arrival of the Chinese vaccines is another major milestone for the Philippines especially since the supply of the vaccine is very limited and the cases in the Philippines continue to rise, and it is a testament that when all nations are working together, we can surmount any challenges ahead. (Press Release)
