By Genalyn Kabiling The Philippines will be given priority access to supply of medicines in China as part of the bilateral cooperation to combat the spread of the coronavirus pandemic, according to a Chinese diplomat. Chinese Ambassador-designate to the Philippines Huang Xilian (PNA via Joyce Ann L. Rocamora / MANILA BULLETIN) Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Huang Xilian recently disclosed that Chinese pharmaceutical firms have been directed to boost production to help meet the medicine requirements of the Philippines. He said China considers the Philippines as a "good friend" and will continue to help the neighbor during these difficult times. "We also try our best to assist the Philippines to purchase medicines and other medical supplies in China...We have instructed our, you know, factories to produce abundant medicines for the need of Philippines, to prioritize the supply to the Philippines in such a way,” the ambassador said during the "Cabinet Report” program hosted by Presidential Communication Secretary Martin Andanar on government radio last Saturday. "As good friends, we will continue to do our best to help this country to overcome the difficulties you have and let’s work together and continuously," he said. Huang also said the Philippines can expect "more" medical assistance from China in battling the coronavirus pandemic. He noted that personal protective equipment (PPE) sets and other medical supplies from the government and private entities in China have been previously delivered to the Philippines. "Since outbreak of the epidemic in the Philippines, you know that we have been working very hard to help your country to fight against this pandemic. And we have donated three batches of medical supplies in your country including ventilators, testing kits and PPEs and I think there will be more to come," the ambassador said. "Apart from government donation, Chinese enterprises, local governments have also donated millions of PPEs and some medical supplies to your country," he said. He said they have also given special permits allowing Philippine military airplanes and sea vessels to transport the medical supplies from China. The Philippine government earlier bought 1 million PPE sets worth P1.8 billion from China to boost the protection of health workers battling the coronavirus disease. Huang also said China sent a medical team to the Philippines to share its experiences in handling the coronavirus spread. Lockdown measures, massive testing, strict quarantine and "timely" treatment of coronavirus patients are vital measures to contain the spread of the disease, he said. The Chinese team composed 12 medical experts visited local hospitals and quarantine facilities early this month. "China and the Philippines, (they're) neighbors and brothers, you know we have been helping each other in difficult times. So I think that the Chinese government decide to send, dispatch the medical team to Philippines to help you to combat COVID-19," he said. "I’m happy to see that during their two-week stay in your country, they have worked round the clock to meet people, to visit hospitals and other medical organizations and to share experiences of China and best practices of China without reservation to the Philippine friends," he said. The general assessment of the Chinese medical team, Huang said, is the Philippine government has taken "a positive, proactive and effective measures" to combat the coronavirus spread. He said they are hopeful that China's experience will be "useful for you to take further measures in the future to come combat COVID-19." China recently eased travel restrictions in Wuhan where the outbreak began since the months-long lockdown started. The reopening of the Chinese city came after reporting a drop in daily cases. The coronavirus pandemic has so far killed more than 200,000 people, infected over 2.9 million, and confined millions to their homes. In the Philippines, the government has extended the enhanced community quarantine in Metro Manila and other high-risk areas until May 15 to contain the surge of infection cases. As of April 25, the cases of coronavirus have reached 7,294 including 494 fatalities.