Department of Health Secretary Francisco Duque III expressed his gratitude to the Chinese government as the Philippines on Sunday, Feb. 28, received its first batch of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) vaccines that will pave the way for the start of the country's COVID-19 vaccination program.
(PCOO / MANILA BULLETIN FILE PHOTO)
The Chinese government’s donation of 600,000 vaccines developed by Sinovac Biotech arrived in the country on Sunday afternoon at the Villamor Air Base in Pasay City. Key government officials led by President Rodrigo Duterte witnessed the arrival of the vaccines.
“In the same spirit today, we are gathered here to receive the generous donation of 600,000 vaccines from the People's Republic of China. And this comes at the much needed time as the Philippines is preparing to face the herculean task of mounting the largest effort immunization program in terms of scale in our history,” said Duque in his speech at the Villamor Air Base.
“We deeply appreciate this benevolent gesture from the government of China. While these are challenging times, we express optimism that the Philippines and People's Republic of China can work together towards a harmonious, sustainable, and healthy future. Truly no one is safe until everyone is safe,” he added.
The Health chief also expressed his gratitude to the previous assistance extended by the Chinese government to the country’s fight against COVID-19.
“Allow me to extend our gratitude to the consistent support that the government of China has provided to the Philippines through this pandemic,” said Duque.
“From the deployment of the Chinese medical expert team in April last year, to donations of PPEs (personal protective equipment), test kits, and other equipment needed in our COVID-19 response and our common battle to curb the pandemic and to improve regional health security,” he added.
With the arrival of vaccines, six hospitals in Metro Manila are set to witness the first round of the country’s COVID-19 vaccination program on Monday, March 1.
The six hospitals are the Philippine General Hospital in Manila, Lung Center of the Philippines in Quezon City, Dr. Jose N. Rodriguez Memorial Medical Center in Caloocan City, Veterans Memorial Medical Center in Quezon City, Philippine National Police General Hospital in Quezon City, and the Victoriano Luna Medical Center in Quezon City.