British Ambassador to the Philippines Daniel Pruce reiterated his government’s appreciation for Filipino health and medical professionals deployed in the United Kingdom for their huge contribution to his country’s battle against the COVID-19 pandemic.
In a recent on-line meeting with Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano, Pruce praised Filipinos for their “great work” in his country.
British officials, including Prime Minister Boris Johnson, have extolled many doctors, nurses and other medical professional from the Philippines for not giving up on COVID 19 patients in their country.
Pruce said Filipino healthcare workers have contributed significantly to his country’s handling of the pandemic, which to date has infected more than 321,000 people.
The envoy also cited British journalist Piers Morgan’s praise of Filipino healthcare workers in the UK for saving people’s lives, describing Filipino nurses as “unsung heroes.”
In reaction, Cayetano also expressed gratitude to Pruce for commending Filipino medical workers for their contribution to the UK's National Health Service (NHS).
The House leader offered greater cooperation between the two countries during and after the pandemic, saying Filipino and British parliamentarians can hold online meetings in lieu of parliamentary visits which are currently not possible due to the health crisis.
The House Speaker said other points of discussion in the virtual parliamentary exchange are security cooperation concerning child pornography and the fight against terrorism.
Pruce responded by saying the British government is working closely with the Philippine National Police on the issue of online sexual exploitation of children, adding that diplomats can pave the way for cooperation with their foreign counterparts.
Cayetano and Pruce also discussed education, particularly the building of schools in the Philippines with the help of UK educators, the British government’s support for primary education in the country, and his priority to bring Filipino students to study in the UK.
Cayetano offered to connect Pruce to key government officials who can help build partnerships that have multiplier effects and can increase the Philippines’ ties with the UK.